"Absalom and Achitophel".

Here in this blog I'm going to discuss about one of the theme of the poem " Absalom and Achitophel " by John Dryden. 

 

About the Poet:-

                             

                                  Jhon Dryden was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who in 1668 was appointed England's first poet laureate. 

                      (John Dryden 1631-1700)

                               Dryden is best known today as a satirist, although he only wrote two great original satires:"Mac Flecknoe" (1682), and "Medall" (1682). His most famous poem, "Absalom and Achitophel" (1681) contains several brilliant satiric portraits. But unlike satire, it comes to a final tragic resolution. 

About the poem:-   

                        Absalom and Achitophel" is a political allegory poem written by John Dryden in 1681. It uses biblical characters and events to comment on the political situation in England during the late 17th century. 

 

                                   The poem tells the story of King David (representing King Charles II) and his rebellious son Absalom (representing the Duke of Monmouth), who is influenced by the scheming Achitophel (representing the Earl of Shaftesbury). Dryden uses this allegory to address the Monmouth Rebellion and the political tensions of the time. It's known for its satirical and political themes and is considered a significant work of English literature.

                          So let's begin with the main concern of writing this blog." Absalom and Achitophel " is a poem written by Dryden . There are several themes in this poem such as:-

1. Political Allegory 

2. Legitimacy and Succession 

3. Religion and Allegiance 

4. Satire and Monarchy 

5. Power and corruption 

6. Patriotism and loyalty 

                                     

                                   The main theme of this poem is political satire, but I'm going to look upon a very rear topic of theme which is often very less discussed i.e Patriotism and loyalty .

                       Patriotism and loyalty are significant themes in John Dryden's poem "Absalom and Achitophel." These themes are complexly woven into the fabric of the narrative and serve as essential elements in Dryden's allegorical commentary on the political events of his time, particularly the Exclusion Crisis in England. Here's a detailed exploration of patriotism and loyalty in the poem:

1. Loyalty to the Monarch (King David/Charles II):                        

                               

                                 Throughout the poem, loyalty to the legitimate monarch, represented by King David (an allegorical stand-in for Charles II), is highly valued. King David is portrayed as a wise and just ruler who deserves the loyalty and support of his subjects. His reign is seen as a period of stability and prosperity for the nation.

There's a beautiful quote from the poem which is,

" In loyalty to wisdom I prefer: This is the positive good, and that the less."

2. Patriotic Duty to Uphold the Monarchy:-

                              Dryden emphasizes the patriotic duty of the people to uphold the monarchy. This is evident in the characterization of those who support King David as true patriots. They are portrayed as loyal subjects who prioritize the well-being and unity of the nation over personal ambitions or political negotiation. 

There's another quote which says,

 

" The man, so qualified , are free from fears, for e'en in deserts a fair train appears ."

3. Condemnation of Rebellion (Absalom's Revolt):-

                   The poem strongly criticize the rebellion led by Absalom (representing James, Duke of Monmouth) against his father, King David. Absalom's rebellion is depicted as a betrayal of both filial and patriotic duty. This rebellion is driven by personal ambition and a thirst for power, and it ultimately leads to chaos and division within the kingdom.

There's another one which says,

" For how can we, with intrest in the cause, stand by, and let our own be made the laws?"

4. Achitophel's Manipulation and Disloyalty:-  

                            Achitophel, the chief conspirator in the poem, represents those who manipulate and conspire against the monarchy for their own gain. His actions are driven by disloyalty to the rightful monarch and a desire to elevate his own status. Dryden satirizes such individuals as self-serving and lacking in true patriotism.

5. Call for Unity and Allegiance:-

                             Dryden's poem serves as a call for unity and allegiance to the legitimate ruler. He argues that the nation's strength and prosperity depend on the loyalty of its citizens to the established authority. The disruption caused by rebellion and disloyalty is depicted as harmful to the well-being of the state.

6. Religious Tolerance as a Form of Loyalty:-

 

                          In the context of the Exclusion Crisis, where there were concerns about the Catholicism of James, Duke of York, Dryden also touches on the theme of religious tolerance. He suggests that loyalty to the monarchy should not be compromised by religious differences, promoting the idea that a ruler's religion should not be a barrier to allegiance.

 

There comes another quote which says, 

" Great actions are not always true sons of virtue, but often a disguise of weakness , or the effect of some strong necessity, which calls the forth."

                                

Conclusion:-

                       

                      In "Absalom and Achitophel," Dryden uses the characters and events from the biblical narrative to convey his views on the importance of loyalty to the monarch and the patriotic duty of citizens to support the legitimate government. The poem ultimately advocates for unity, stability, and the preservation of the established order as key components of a prosperous and harmonious nation.

Here I'm sharing one video which will provide the whole concept regarding the poem. Must watch. 

This is all I want  to convey in thise blog.

Thank you.