'Absalom and Achitophel' Summary

In *Absalom and Achitophel*, Dryden reimagines the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom as a scathing allegory for the political tensions in Charles II's England. David, the king, represents Charles II, while Absalom, the rebellious son, embodies James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles. The poem's central figure, Achitophel, is a cunning advisor who mirrors the Earl of Shaftesbury, a prominent political figure who was accused of treasonous plots against the king. Through these allegorical figures, Dryden explores the volatile dynamics between the king, his rivals, and the people. He satirizes the political machinations, the machinations of power, and the dangers of religious divisions, particularly the threat of Catholicism in a Protestant England. Dryden's vivid language and biting wit create a powerful commentary on the political landscape of his time, leaving readers to ponder the themes of loyalty, rebellion, and the consequences of political ambition.