Name :- Kumkum V. Hirani
Sem :- M.A. sem - 1
Paper :- 101
Subject :- Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration period
Roll No :- 15
College:- Smt. G. B. Gardi College
Email - kumkumhirani@gmail.com
ASSIGNMENT
Themes of Absalom and Achitophel :
Table of contents :-
- Introduction
- Themes
- Political satire and allegory
- Loyalty and Betrayal
- Legitimacy and succession
- Ambition and manipulation
- Divine right of kings
- Public opinion and populism
- Human nature and morality
- Conclusions
INTRODUCTION:-
John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel, published in 1681, is a political poem that uses Biblical allegory to criticize and comment on the political situation in Restoration England. The poem is a satire, presenting an allegorical comparison between the biblical figures of Absalom and King David explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, legitimacy, and ambition .
Background:-
The Exclusion Crisis :-
The poem was composed during the Exclusion Crisis, a period of political conflict in England from 1679 to 1681. The central issue of this crisis was whether James, Duke of York (a Catholic), should be excluded from the succession to the English throne in favor of his Protestant nephew, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.
Fear of Catholic Rule :-
The English population, predominantly Protestant, harbored deep fears of a return to Catholic rule. Memories of Bloody Mary’s persecution of Protestants and concerns about Catholic alliances with France and Spain added to the anxiety. The prospect of James II, a devout Catholic, ascending the throne was alarming to many.
Political Factions: Whigs vs. Tories:-
During this time, two political factions emerged: the Whigs and the Tories.
The Whigs:
Advocated for the exclusion of James, Duke of York, from the line of succession. They supported the Exclusion Bill to ensure a Protestant monarchy and promoted the Duke of Monmouth as a potential alternative.
The Tories :-
Opposed the Exclusion Bill, supporting the divine right of kings and the hereditary succession. They believed in maintaining the traditional line of succession, even if it meant having a Catholic monarch.
Themes :-
1)Political Satire and Allegory:-
The primary theme of Absalom and Achitophel is political satire. Dryden uses the story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David from the Old Testament to comment on the political turmoil in England during the Exclusion Crisis. This crisis centered around the attempt to prevent the Catholic Duke of York (James II) from ascending the throne, leading to debates about succession, legitimacy, and political power.
In the poem, Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, a political figure who sought to exclude James II from the throne. Dryden depicts Achitophel as a manipulative, ambitious character who uses Absalom (representing the Duke of Monmouth) to further his own political agenda. Through this allegory, Dryden critiques the manipulation of political movements for personal gain. He uses humor and irony to emphasize the absurdity of the political schemes and power struggles of his time .
Dryden’s use of the allegorical framework allows him to critique the political situation without directly attacking any particular figure. The poem’s sharp but indirect satire enabled Dryden to navigate the dangerous waters of political commentary during the reign of Charles II.
2 ) Loyalty and betrayal:-
A second major theme in Absalom and Achitophel is the tension between loyalty and betrayal. Dryden examines how individuals' personal ambitions can lead them to betray their loyalty to their family, their country, and their king. Absalom’s rebellion against King David symbolizes the betrayal of a king by his son, mirroring the betrayal of authority by political figures in Dryden’s time.
Achitophel, as a manipulator, seeks to exploit Absalom’s youthful idealism and vanity to turn him against his father. Dryden contrasts this betrayal with the steadfast loyalty, Dryden underscores the moral high ground of those who support lawful rule, as opposed to those driven by ambition .
The theme of loyalty is also closely tied to the concept of duty. King David’s personal affection for Absalom clouds his judgment, making it difficult for him to enforce justice. This internal conflict between personal loyalty and public duty is a key element of the poem’s exploration of leadership and morality.
3. Legitimacy and Succession:-
The theme of legitimacy is central to Absalom and Achitophel, particularly regarding political authority and inheritance. Absalom’s illegitimacy serves as a metaphor for the contentious debates surrounding the succession to the English throne. Dryden uses the figure of Absalom, a charismatic and capable leader, to question whether merit alone should determine who is fit to rule, or if legitimacy defined by birthright and tradition should be the deciding factor.
Absalom’s supporters, who argue for his fitness to rule based on his abilities, represent those who sought to change the line of succession during the Exclusion Crisis. On the other hand, King David, though flawed, represents the divinely ordained monarch, whose right to rule is based on the traditional and religious concept of divine right. Dryden uses this contrast to explore the complexities of political legitimacy and the tension between inherited authority and the appeal of charismatic leadership.
This theme is further developed through Dryden’s portrayal of Achitophel, who manipulates Absalom’s sense of entitlement to his birthright. Achitophel’s exploitation of Absalom’s ambitions reflects the dangers of overturning established systems of governance in favor of personal or populist agendas.
4.Ambition and Manipulation :-
Ambition is another significant theme in Absalom and Achitophel, particularly embodied in the character of Achitophel. Dryden presents Achitophel as a master manipulator, using his understanding of human nature and political dynamics to exploit the weaknesses of others for his personal gain. Achitophel’s ambition leads him to betray his king and manipulate Absalom into leading a rebellion, despite the moral and ethical implications.
Through Achitophel’s actions, Dryden critiques the moral decay that accompanies unchecked ambition. Achitophel’s ambition is portrayed as both dangerous and morally corrupt, as he uses religion, loyalty, and familial bonds to achieve his goals. Dryden’s portrayal serves as a warning about the destructive power of ambition when it is driven solely by self-interest, without regard for the common good.
In contrast, Absalom’s ambition is initially presented as idealistic. He believes he is fighting for the good of the people, yet his youthful pride and vanity make him susceptible to manipulation by Achitophel. Dryden contrasts Absalom’s naivety with Achitophel’s cynicism, showing how ambition can be used to further political schemes.
5. Divine Right of Kings :-
Dryden’s support for the monarchy and the divine right of kings is an important theme in Absalom and Achitophel. King David’s rule is presented as divinely ordained, and Dryden uses this to argue against the political actions of those who challenge the king’s authority. According to the divine right of kings, the monarch is chosen by God, and rebellion against this authority is both a political and a spiritual transgression.
Dryden uses the allegory of King David’s reign to defend the monarchy and criticize the rebellion led by Absalom. The theme of divine right serves to elevate the moral and religious authority of the king while portraying the actions of Achitophel and Absalom as sinful and destructive. Dryden’s position reflects the larger political debates of the time, as monarchists defended the divine right against growing calls for parliamentary sovereignty.
6. Public Opinion and Populism :-
A crucial theme in the poem is the manipulation of public opinion. Dryden explores how political figures like Achitophel use populist rhetoric to gain support for their cause, manipulating the masses to rally behind Absalom’s rebellion. Achitophel exploits the discontent of the people, appealing to their fears and prejudices, especially concerning religion and the monarchy.
This theme reflects the growing influence of populism and the ability of demagogues to sway public opinion. Dryden critiques this manipulation, portraying the masses as easily swayed by emotional appeals and false promises. Through this, he warns of the dangers of populism, especially when it is used to disrupt established political systems for personal gain .
7. Human Nature and Morality :-
Finally, Absalom and Achitophel offer a meditation on human nature and morality. Dryden examines universal flaws such as ambition, pride, and vanity, which drive the actions of his characters. Absalom’s rebellion, Achitophel’s manipulation, and David’s internal conflict all serve as reflections of human frailty.
Dryden’s portrayal of these characters demonstrates that the flaws that lead to political upheaval are deeply rooted in human nature. The poem’s exploration of these themes makes it more than just a political satire it becomes a broader commentary on the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and morality .
Conclusion :-
Absalom and Achitophel is a powerful political satire that delves deeply into themes of loyalty, betrayal, legitimacy, ambition, and divine right. By using Biblical allegory, Dryden offers a critical perspective on the political turmoil of his time while exploring universal themes that resonate across generations. His exploration of human nature, power dynamics, and the manipulation of public opinion provides timeless insights into the challenges of governance and leadership. Through this work, Dryden not only critiques the political figures of his era but also engages with the moral and ethical questions that are central to human experience.
Reference :-
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