Absalom and Achitophel

Absalom and Achitophel, written by John Dryden, is a celebrated satirical poem written in heroic couplets and published in 1681. This blog is a thinking task assigned by Barad Sir, on that poem. For more information, you can click here. 

1. Given below are two tables of characters who are in favour of King David and Achitophel :- 

2. Criticism of the beginning of the poem :-

Lines from the poem - 

In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, Before polygamy was made a sin; When man on many multiply'd his kind, E'er one to one was cursedly confined: When nature prompted, and no law denied Promiscuous use of concubine and bride; Then Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart, His vigorous warmth did variously impart To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command, Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land.

Analysis -

Dryden begins by invoking a time before the laws of society and religion were established, when men were free to pursue their natural desires. He then introduces King David, a man of great passion and fertility, who fathered many children from many different women.

The speaker's tone in these lines is light and playful, but there is also an underlying seriousness. Dryden is using the biblical story of David and Absalom as an allegory for the contemporary political situation in England, where King Charles II was facing a challenge to his rule from his illegitimate son, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.

One of the most striking features of this passage is its use of language. Dryden's diction is elevated and poetic, but he also uses a number of colloquialisms and slang expressions, such as "prompted" and "cursedly." This creates a sense of immediacy and realism, and it also helps to make the poem's allegorical meaning more accessible to the reader.

Another notable feature of this passage is its structure. Dryden uses a variety of poetic devices, such as enjambment, caesura, and alliteration, to create a sense of flow and rhythm. The passage is also carefully structured in terms of its meaning. The first two lines introduce the poem's setting and theme, while the next four lines introduce the main characters. The final two lines then focus on King David, and his role in the poem's allegory.

Overall, the beginning of Absalom and Achitophel is a masterfully written piece of poetry. Dryden's use of language, structure, and allegory is masterful, and he effectively introduces the poem's main characters and setting.

Critique -

Some critics have argued that Dryden's use of the biblical story of David and Absalom is too heavy-handed, and that it makes the poem's allegorical meaning too obvious. Others have argued that Dryden's tone in the opening lines is too flippant, and that it does not adequately reflect the seriousness of the poem's subject matter.

However, I believe that Dryden's use of the biblical story is very effective. The biblical story of David and Absalom is a well-known and well-loved story, and it provides a clear and accessible framework for Dryden's allegory. Additionally, Dryden's use of a light and playful tone in the opening lines is deliberate. He is trying to disarm the reader and make them more receptive to his message.

Overall, I believe that the beginning of Absalom and Achitophel is a very well-written and effective piece of poetry. Dryden's use of language, structure, and allegory is masterful, and he effectively introduces the poem's main characters and setting. (Answered using Google Bard)

3. Comparing Absalom and Achitophel with Hamilton :- 

One contemporary political satire that is worth comparing to John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel is Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton. Both works use allegory and humor to criticize the political climate of their time.

Absalom and Achitophel is a satirical allegory of the Exclusion Crisis of 1679, in which the English Parliament attempted to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from the throne. Dryden uses the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom to represent the conflict between Charles II and his opponents. In the poem, Absalom represents Charles's illegitimate son Monmouth, who was supported by the Whigs. Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, the Whig leader who was instrumental in the Exclusion Crisis.

Hamilton is a satirical allegory of the American Revolution. Miranda uses the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, to represent the ideals of the Revolution. However, he also uses the musical to criticize the hypocrisy and corruption of the American political system.

Both Absalom and Achitophel and Hamilton are masterpieces of political satire. They are both witty, insightful, and entertaining. However, there are some key differences between the two works.

First, Absalom and Achitophel is written in heroic couplets, a traditional poetic form. Hamilton, on the other hand, is a hip-hop musical. This difference in form reflects the different audiences for the two works. Absalom and Achitophel was written for an elite audience of educated readers. Hamilton, on the other hand, is written for a mass audience.

Second, Absalom and Achitophel is more overtly political than Hamilton. Dryden's poem is a direct attack on the Whig party and their attempt to exclude the Duke of York from the throne. Hamilton, on the other hand, is more subtle in its political satire. Miranda uses the story of Hamilton to criticize the American political system as a whole, rather than any specific party or politician.

Finally, Absalom and Achitophel is a tragedy. Absalom is killed in battle against his father David, and Achitophel commits suicide. Hamilton, on the other hand, is a more hopeful work. Hamilton is assassinated, but his legacy lives on.

Despite their differences, Absalom and Achitophel and Hamilton are both powerful examples of political satire. They are both works of art that challenge us to think critically about the political world around us.