Thinking Activity - Absalom & Achitophel

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Welcome to my blog .this blog written as a part of a Thinking activity assigned by Dr.dilip barad sir. 

                     Absalom & Achitophel

                                  By 

                             John Dryden 

 Introduction :

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a political allegorical poem written by the English poet John Dryden, first published in 1681. This satirical work uses biblical characters and events to comment on the political landscape of 17th-century England, particularly the Exclusion Crisis and the struggle for the English throne. The poem's central characters are King David (representing King Charles II), his illegitimate son Absalom (representing the Duke of Monmouth), and the crafty advisor Achitophel (representing the Earl of Shaftesbury). Through its vivid and often humorous portrayal of these characters, the poem provides a commentary on the political intrigues and tensions of the time. It's a significant work in the history of English literature and political satire.       

John Dryden:

John Dryden (1631-1700) was a prominent English poet, playwright, and critic during the Restoration period. He is often referred to as the "Father of English Criticism" and played a significant role in shaping English literature of his time. Dryden's works span various genres, including poetry, drama, essays, and translations, making him a versatile and influential figure in the literary landscape of the 17th century. His notable works include "Absalom and Achitophel," "All for Love," and "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy." Dryden's contributions to literature and his impact on the development of English literary traditions continue to be studied and admired by scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Notable works:

1. Absalom and Achitophel(1681)
2. Mac flecknoe(1682)
3. The Hind and the panther(1687)
4. The wild gallant(1663)
5. The Tempest(1667)

 Now let's discuss of topic and try to answer this topic .

Topic:

Comment upon the beginning of the poem Absalom & Achitophel. Prompt chatGPT or bard by giving lines from the beginning of the poem and ask to make a 'critique' of the same.

Beginning of this poem:

Here are the opening lines from "Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden:

"The Jews, a headstrong, moody, murmuring race,

As ever tried the extent and stretch of grace;

God's pampered people, whom, debauched with ease,

No king could govern, nor no God could please ";

The poem "Absalom and Achitophel" is a satirical allegory written by John Dryden in 1681. Its opening lines set the stage for the political and biblical themes that will be explored throughout the poem. In the beginning, Dryden describes King David and his son Absalom, drawing parallels to the political situation of his time. The poem is known for its sharp wit and commentary on the political intrigues of the late 17th century England.

Critique on it:

John Dryden make a 'critique' on it. Critique's points as per below. Certainly, let's provide a critique of "Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden:

1. (Style and Structure): Dryden begins with a concise and impactful description of the Jewish people, setting the tone for the poem. The use of alliteration in "headstrong, moody, murmuring" creates a rhythmic quality that engages the reader from the start. The lines are written in rhymed couplets, a common stylistic choice of the time, which provides a sense of order and structure to the poem.

2. (Characterization): In just a few words, Dryden offers a vivid characterization of the Jewish people. He portrays them as a complex and difficult-to-govern group, describing them as "headstrong" and "moody." This characterization serves as a foundation for the political allegory that follows, where the Jews represent various factions within English society.

3. (Theological References): Dryden invokes religious imagery and themes by mentioning "the extent and stretch of grace" and the idea that "no king could govern, nor no God could please." These references suggest a connection between the biblical story of Absalom and Achitophel and the political context in which the poem was written.

4. (Political Commentary): The opening lines subtly introduce the political context of the poem, which is a satirical commentary on the political intrigues and conflicts of Dryden's own time. The challenges of governing the Jews are metaphorically linked to the challenges faced by King Charles II in maintaining control over his kingdom.

5. (Engagement of the Reader): By beginning with a concise and thought-provoking description, Dryden immediately engages the reader's interest and curiosity, prompting them to continue reading to understand the deeper meaning behind these words.

6. (Historical Context): It's important to note that the poem was written in the late 17th century during a period of political turmoil in England. King Charles II faced various challenges to his authority, and Dryden's poem is a reflection of these events. The reference to "God's pampered people" alludes to the religious and political tensions of the time, particularly those involving the Catholic minority.

7. (Use of Satire): Dryden's choice of words like "debouched with ease" and "No king could govern, nor no God could please" reflects his satirical intent. He uses irony and humor to critique both the Jewish people and the political figures of his era. This satirical approach is a hallmark of Dryden's writing and is a key element throughout the poem.

8. (Character Complexity): Despite the initial negative portrayal of the Jewish people, Dryden's poem goes on to provide a more nuanced view of characters like Absalom and Achitophel. This complexity adds depth to the narrative and challenges the reader to consider the moral and political dilemmas faced by these characters.

9. (Foreshadowing): The opening lines also serve as a form of foreshadowing, hinting at the conflict and challenges that will unfold in the poem. The mention of a people whom "no king could govern" suggests that the central conflict between Absalom and King David will be a struggle for control and power.

10. (Impactful Language): Dryden's choice of words is carefully considered. Terms like "pampered," "headstrong," and "moody" evoke vivid imagery and emotions. They create an immediate impression of the characters and the society they represent, drawing the reader into the poem's world.

Conclusion:

In summary, the opening lines of "Absalom and Achitophel" are skillfully crafted to introduce the themes, characters, and political allegory of the poem. Dryden's use of language and imagery sets the stage for a satirical exploration of the political landscape of his time, making these lines an effective and thought-provoking start to the poem.

Thank you 😊.....