“John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel: A Masterpiece of Political Satire”

The task, as assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad Sir, is to analyze John Dryden's 'Absalom and Achitophel' based on the worksheet.Click here

Introduction

The late seventeenth century in England was an age of political turbulence, religious controversy, and artistic brilliance. At the center of this cultural whirlwind stood John Dryden, the most influential poet, critic, and playwright of the Restoration era. Among his many works, Absalom and Achitophel (1681) shines as a masterpiece of political satire. Written in heroic couplets, the poem cleverly merges biblical allegory with the political struggles of its time, particularly the Exclusion Crisis. Far more than a pamphlet in verse, it is an enduring exploration of ambition, loyalty, power, and the divine right of kings.

Basic Information: Author, Genre, and Publication

John Dryden (1631–1700), often referred to as the “father of English criticism,” was also the first official Poet Laureate of England. His mastery of the heroic couplet allowed him to craft witty, pointed, and rhythmically elegant satire.

                             Jhon Dryden


Absalom and Achitophel was first published in 1681.

The poem belongs to the genre of verse satire.

It was followed by a second part in 1682, largely written by Nahum Tate but including about 200 lines by Dryden himself, where he responded to his literary rivals.


Historical and Political Context

The poem cannot be understood without knowing the political climate of 1670s and 1680s England:


1. The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681):

A political movement arose to exclude James, Duke of York, from succeeding his brother Charles II, because James was openly Catholic.

The Whigs (supporters of exclusion) argued that a Catholic monarch would threaten England’s Protestant faith.

The Tories (opposed to exclusion) supported the king’s authority and hereditary succession.

A painting/illustration of Parliament in session.


2. The Popish Plot (1678):

A fabricated conspiracy by Titus Oates claimed that Catholics planned to assassinate Charles II.

Though false, it inflamed anti-Catholic sentiment and influenced public debate.


3. The Monmouth Question:

Charles II had no legitimate heirs, but he had an illegitimate Protestant son, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.

Many Protestants hoped Monmouth would replace his uncle James in the line of succession.

However, Monmouth’s legitimacy was doubtful, as rumors spread that Charles II had secretly married his mother, Lucy Walter.

Dryden’s poem was written directly in this climate to defend the monarchy and oppose the exclusion of James, Duke of York.


Political Motivation

Dryden’s loyalty to Charles II and the monarchy shaped his political stance. He wrote Absalom and Achitophel to support the king and discredit his opponents, particularly the Earl of Shaftesbury, who was leading the movement to promote Monmouth. In doing so, Dryden used satire as a weapon to preserve political stability and the Stuart dynasty.

The Allegorical Framework

Dryden transforms history into allegory by retelling the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 13–19):

David = Charles II

Absalom = Duke of Monmouth (illegitimate but popular son, courted by Protestant factions)

Achitophel = Earl of Shaftesbury (a cunning political leader, urging rebellion)

This brilliant allegory allowed Dryden to present political conflict in moral and religious terms. Just as Absalom was persuaded by Achitophel to rebel against his father David, so Monmouth was persuaded to challenge Charles II.


Biblical Parallels

Absalom’s Rebellion:

In the Bible, Absalom was handsome, charismatic, and popular with the people—but ultimately misguided. He sought to overthrow his father David, encouraged by the treacherous advisor Achitophel.

Achitophel’s Treachery:

In both the Bible and Dryden’s poem, Achitophel represents the figure of the manipulative counselor whose ambition endangers the kingdom.

David’s Authority:

King David (Charles II) represents divine kingship, patience, and legitimate rule, threatened by the rashness of his son and the malice of his advisor.


Character Studies

Absalom (Monmouth):

Presented with charm and natural gifts, but tragically flawed by his susceptibility to manipulation. Dryden shows him as misguided rather than purely wicked, which makes him a sympathetic figure.

Achitophel (Shaftesbury):

The poem’s true villain—cunning, persuasive, and ambitious. He represents the dangers of political opportunism and rebellion.

David (Charles II):

The image of calm authority, chosen by God to rule. His restraint and dignity contrast with the reckless ambition of others.


Dryden’s Style and Satire

Dryden’s poem is written in heroic couplets—pairs of rhyming iambic pentameter lines. This form allowed him to balance elegance with sharp wit. Some of the features include:

Satirical Edge: 

Characters are mocked through biting descriptions and ironic praise.

Moral Tone: 

The poem defends the divine right of kings and warns against rebellion.

Allegorical Richness:

 The blending of biblical and contemporary references makes the satire both universal and immediate.


Underlying Themes

1. Politics and Satire:

The poem is a direct intervention in the political debate of the Exclusion Crisis.


2. Ambition and Power:

It explores how ambition can corrupt both leaders and followers.


3. Religion and Divine Right:

By equating Charles II with King David, Dryden reinforces the idea that monarchy is ordained by God.


4. Loyalty vs. Treachery:

The poem contrasts loyalty to the rightful king with the destructive influence of deceitful counselors.


Relevance and Lasting Impact

Though rooted in seventeenth-century England, Absalom and Achitophel remains relevant today for several reasons:

It shows how literature can serve as political commentary, shaping public opinion.

Its themes of ambition, loyalty, and manipulation are timeless, applicable to politics in every age.The poem is also a landmark of English satire, influencing later satirists such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.Dryden’s blending of poetry, politics, and biblical allegory makes Absalom and Achitophel not only a defense of Stuart monarchy but also a study of the universal dynamics of power.

Conclusion

John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel is more than a historical curiosity—it is a sophisticated work of art that demonstrates the enduring power of poetry to engage with politics. By weaving together biblical narrative and Restoration-era controversies, Dryden produced a poem that is both timely and timeless. It defended Charles II, discredited his enemies, and left behind a masterpiece of political satire that continues to be studied for its literary brilliance and historical significance.


Refrence

https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/absalom-and-achitophel-worksheet.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Absalom-and-Achitophel