What is the summary of Absalom and Achitophel?

These chapters relate the story of King David’s favourite son Absalom and his false friend Achitophel (Ahithophel), who persuades Absalom to revolt against his father. In his poem, Dryden assigns each figure in the crisis a biblical name; e.g., Absalom is Monmouth, Achitophel is Shaftesbury, and David is Charles II.

What is the main theme of Absalom and Achitophel?

His “Absalom and Achitophel” is regarded as not simply a satire, but a poem as Dryden himself calls it “a poem.” The central theme is : Temptation, sin, fall and punishment.

What is the main purpose of Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel?

The purpose of Absalom and Achitophel is explicitly political. To be more precise, Dryden sets out to exalt the reign of Charles II and damn his most implacable enemies.

What is the purpose of Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel Wikipedia?

The poem tells the Biblical tale of the rebellion of Absalom against King David; in this context it is an allegory used to represent a story contemporary to Dryden, concerning King Charles II and the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681). The poem also references the Popish Plot (1678) and the Monmouth Rebellion (1685).

How does the poem Absalom and Achitophel end?

that the poem is accidentally inconclusive because it projects its ending into the future: “shoud . . . conclude . . . with the Reconcilement of Absalom to David.” These propositions together constitute the legend of the unsuccessful ending of Absalom and Achitophel.

Who does Achitophel stand for?

Achitophel. ä-hit′ō-fel, n. an able but unprincipled counsellor, from the name of David’s sage counsellor who treacherously abetted the rebellion of Absalom.

What kind of person is Absalom?

He was a great favorite of his father and of the people. His charming manners, personal beauty, insinuating ways, love of pomp, and royal pretensions captivated the hearts of the people from the beginning. He lived in great style, drove in a magnificent chariot, and had fifty men run before him.

How many lines are there in Absalom and Achitophel?

Tate. However, it contains 200 lines by Dryden, in which he attacks two literary and political enemies, Shadwell as Og and Settle as Doeg.

What was the Popish plot as described in Absalom and Achitophel?

Dryden allegorizes the Popish Plot in “Absalom and Achitophel” as the “plot,” advanced by Achitophel and created by Corah, to discredit David and his brother and place Absalom on the throne.

What does Absalom represent?

Absalom metaphorically represents Charles II’s illegitimate son James Scott, the 1st Duke of Monmouth, who rebelled against Charles and the throne in Dryden’s time.

What is the story of Absalom in the Bible?

Known for: Absalom in the Bible was the third son of King David. Instead of imitating his father’s strengths, Absolom followed his pride and greed and tried to seize his father’s throne. Bible References: Absalom’s story is found in 2 Samuel 3:3 and chapters 13-19.

Who does Achitophel represent?

Dryden’s Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, a Member of Parliament during Dryden’s time and the main supporter of the Exclusion Bill.