Absalom & Achitophel

 "Absalom & Achitophel"

By

John Dryden 

Introduction :-

"Absalom & Achitophel" poem written by John Dryden. This poem published in 1681. "Absalom and Achitophel" is a satirical allegorical poem written by John Dryden in the late 17th century. It uses biblical characters and narratives to comment on the political and social events of King Charles II's England, particularly the Exclusion Crisis. The poem employs heroic couplets and vivid language to deliver sharp political satire, depicting key figures of the time through allegorical storytelling. This task based on the thinking activity. This thinking activity task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. 

John Dryden (1631-1700) :-

John Dryden was one of the great write and as well as great critic also. John Dryden was an English poet, playwright, translator, etc. John Dryden's concept of 'decorum' in literature refers to the idea that a work of literature should be appropriate and in harmony with its subject matter, characters, and genre. John Dryden has mostly known as a Neoclassical critic in the English Literature.

Works List of Dryden :-

1. "The Hind and the Panther" (1687)

2. "The wild Gallant", a comedy (1663-1669)

3. "The Indian Queen", a tragedy (1664-1665)

4. "An essay of dramatic poesy" (1668)

5. "Absalom & Achitophel" (1681)

6. "Religio Laici" (1682)

Now let's discuss in detail about the topic.

Topic :-

Comment upon the beginning of the poem Absalom & Achitophel. Prompt chatGPT or bard by giving lines from the beginning of the poem and ask to make a 'critique' of the same.

Defination :-

The Beginning of the poem :-

The beginning of "Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden serves as a captivating and engaging introduction to this satirical and allegorical poem. It immediately sets the tone for the work and introduces the central characters and themes.

The opening lines establish the political turmoil and divisions of the time, with the reference to "Israel's monarch" representing King Charles II and his realm. The mention of "inexperienced youth" (Absalom) and "cold age" (Achitophel) highlights the generational and ideological divide in the political landscape.

Dryden employs vivid and evocative language, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The phrase "with laws and priests and princes right divine" underscores the political and religious conflicts of the era. The use of biblical allusions and archaic language adds depth to the poem, reinforcing its allegorical nature.

Overall, the beginning of "Absalom and Achitophel" effectively draws the reader into the world of 17th-century English politics, using biblical parallels and satirical elements to set the stage for the unfolding narrative. It showcases Dryden's skill in combining history, politics, and satire to create a compelling work of literature.

Critique on it :-

John Dryden make a 'critique' on it. Critique's points as per below. Certainly, let's provide a critique of "Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden:

1. Structure and Style :-

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a masterful example of the heroic couplet, a form of rhymed poetry in iambic pentameter. Dryden's use of this form is precise and skillful, allowing for both narrative and satirical elements to coexist effectively. The poem's clear structure aids in conveying complex political themes to the reader.

2. Satire and Allegory :-

Dryden's satirical prowess shines through in this work. Through the use of biblical allegory and carefully crafted characters, he provides a sharp critique of the political climate of his time, including the Exclusion Crisis. Each character represents a real historical figure, and their actions and motivations are cleverly depicted through allegorical storytelling.

3. Political Commentary :-

The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the political landscape of late 17th-century England. Dryden takes a clear stance in support of King Charles II and against the Exclusion Bill. He uses satire to mock and criticize the Whigs, who supported the bill and opposed the king's rule. This political engagement is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

4. Language and Imagery :-

Dryden's language is rich, and his imagery is vivid. He employs biblical and classical allusions to great effect, adding depth to the poem. His use of archaic language may be challenging for modern readers, but it contributes to the poem's timeless quality.

5. Characterization :-

The characters in "Absalom and Achitophel" are well-drawn, each embodying specific traits and political allegiances. This allows readers to engage with the historical and political context in a more accessible manner.

Conclusion :-

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a remarkable work of political and satirical poetry. Dryden's ability to blend history, allegory, and biting satire makes this poem a significant contribution to English literature. While it is rooted in its specific historical context, its themes of power, politics, and human nature remain relevant and thought-provoking even today. It stands as a testament to Dryden's skill as a poet and satirist. ChatGPT also generates a great critique on this topic. ChatGPT generates the very perfect answer for this question. ChatGPT provide the great information about topic. 

Resources :-

1. The ChatGPT open AI tool.

2. Absalom & Achitophel CLICK HERE