Absalom and Achitophel
by John Dryden
'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.Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
Published In
Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Authors
John Dryden
England
John Dryden was a towering figure in English literature, a master of diverse genres and a seminal influence on the development of English poetry and prose. His brilliance lay in his ability to adapt t...
Books by John DrydenDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
Royale Maison de Savoie by Grégoire Hudry-Menos
This book presents a fresh perspective on the history of the House of Savoy, a royal family that ruled over Italy for centuries. Author Grégoire Hudry...
göttliche Komödie - Die Hölle by Dante Alighieri
Dantes *Göttliche Komödie* ist ein episches Gedicht, das in drei Teile gegliedert ist: *Inferno*, *Purgatorio* und *Paradiso*. Es erzählt die Geschich...
Balladen by Carl Spitteler
Carl Spitteler's "Balladen" is a collection of ballads showcasing the author's mastery of the form. The poems delve into themes of history, myth, and...
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
The Divine Comedy (Italian: Commedia, later christened “Divina” by Giovanni Boccaccio), written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and his death in 1321,...
Father of Women and Other Poems by Alice Meynell
This collection of poems by Alice Meynell, published in 1922, reflects her life and work. Meynell was a prominent figure in the late Victorian and Edw...
금수회의록 (Geum-su-Hue-I-Lok) Assembly of Animals by Guk-seon Ahn
Assembly of Animals is a groundbreaking work of Korean literature, notable as the first modern novel in the language. Published in 1908, the book empl...
Vision by Joyce Kilmer
This collection of poems by Joyce Kilmer, known for his iconic work 'Trees,' reflects the poet's profound connection to nature, faith, and the human e...
Myszeis by Ignacy Krasicki
“Myszeis” is a satirical poem written by Ignacy Krasicki, a prominent Polish poet and bishop. It tells the story of a conflict between mice and rats o...
Bible (ASV) 22: Song of Solomon by American Standard Version
The Song of Songs is the twenty-second book of The Bible and was authored by Solomon. In some translations, this book is entitled The Song of Solomon....
Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad
Set in early 20th-century London, *The Secret Agent* by Joseph Conrad follows Adolf Verloc, a seemingly ordinary shopkeeper and a secret agent for a f...
Reviews for Absalom and Achitophel
No reviews posted or approved, yet...