Summary:
Absalom and Achitophel is a political and satirical poem written by John Dryden in 1681. It is an allegorical work that uses biblical figures to comment on contemporary English politics, particularly the Exclusion Crisis. The poem portrays King David (representing King Charles II) and his illegitimate son Absalom (representing the Duke of Monmouth). Achitophel (representing the Earl of Shaftesbury) is the cunning advisor who manipulates Absalom into rebelling against his father. The poem explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and the dangers of political manipulation. Through his masterful use of heroic couplets, Dryden criticizes those who sought to exclude James, Duke of York (a Catholic), from the line of succession in favor of Monmouth.
MCQs:
- What is the primary theme of Absalom and Achitophel?
a) Romantic love
b) Political satire and betrayal
c) Religious devotion
d) Adventure and heroism
Answer: b) Political satire and betrayal - Which biblical story does Dryden use as an allegory for English politics?
a) The story of Moses and Pharaoh
b) The story of David and Goliath
c) The story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David
d) The story of Noah’s Ark
Answer: c) The story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David - Who does Absalom represent in the poem?
a) King Charles II
b) The Duke of Monmouth
c) The Earl of Shaftesbury
d) Oliver Cromwell
Answer: b) The Duke of Monmouth
Absalom and Achitophel - What role does Achitophel play in the poem?
a) A loyal servant to the king
b) A religious leader
c) A scheming advisor who manipulates Absalom
d) A warrior fighting for justice
Answer: c) A scheming advisor who manipulates Absalom - Who is represented by King David in the poem?
a) Oliver Cromwell
b) King Charles II
c) The Duke of Monmouth
d) James II
Answer: b) King Charles II - What is the poetic form of Absalom and Achitophel?
a) Blank verse
b) Heroic couplets
c) Free verse
d) Sonnet
Answer: b) Heroic couplets - Which historical crisis does Dryden address in the poem?
a) The War of the Roses
b) The Exclusion Crisis
c) The Glorious Revolution
d) The English Civil War
Answer: b) The Exclusion Crisis - What is Dryden’s perspective on King David (Charles II) in the poem?
a) He is portrayed as a weak and incompetent ruler
b) He is portrayed as a just and merciful king
c) He is depicted as an oppressive tyrant
d) He is completely absent from the poem
Answer: b) He is portrayed as a just and merciful king - Why does Achitophel want Absalom to rebel?
a) To restore peace to the kingdom
b) To secure his own political power
c) To honor King David
d) To avoid war
Answer: b) To secure his own political power - Which literary device is primarily used in the poem?
a) Allegory
b) Hyperbole
c) Personification
d) Alliteration
Answer: a) Allegory
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Absalom and Achitophel |
| Poet | John Dryden |
| Year Written | 1681 |
| Year Published | 1681 |
| Poem Type | Political Satire, Allegorical Poetry |
| Verse Form | Heroic Couplets |
| Main Characters | King David (Charles II), Absalom (Monmouth), Achitophel (Shaftesbury) |
| Themes | Political ambition, betrayal, loyalty, monarchy vs. rebellion |
| Structure | Long narrative poem, divided into parts |
| Tone | Satirical, critical, and political |
| Famous Quote | “Beware the fury of a patient man.” |
| Main Conflict | Achitophel’s attempt to manipulate Absalom into rebellion |
| Legacy | Considered one of Dryden’s greatest political satires |