Absalom and Achitophel

Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden is a satirical political allegory. Dryden uses a Biblical tale, the rebellion of Absalom against King David, to comment on a contemporary political situation:...

The purpose of Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel is to politically defend the reign of Charles II and criticize his enemies. Dryden uses Biblical allegory to liken Charles to King David, portraying him...

The theme of John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" is power, focusing on Achitophel's manipulation of Absalom's loyalty to King David and the assertion of divine right to rule. The tone is reverent,...

Dryden's role as a satirist is exemplified in "Absalom and Achitophel," where he uses biblical allegory to critique contemporary English politics, particularly the ascension of Charles II. His...

In Absalom and Achitophel, Zimri is described as: A man so various, that he seemed to be [545] Not one, but all mankind's epitome; Dryden states that Zimri is "stiff in opinions, always in the...

Dryden portrays Shimei in "Absalom and Achitophel" as a hypocritical and corrupt figure, using religious zeal as a facade for personal gain. Despite appearing pious, Shimei's actions reveal his true...

The excerpt from Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" highlights themes of political manipulation and hypocrisy through religious imagery. Achitophel's actions, like packing juries and writing against...

"Absalom and Achitophel" is written in heroic couplets, using an aa, bb, cc rhyme scheme. It is composed in iambic pentameter, where each line consists of five iambs, or pairs of syllables with the...

Dryden's Zimri actually satirizes George Villiers, the Second Duke of Buckingham, a disreputable statesman widely accused of treason. However, just as the Biblical character of Zimri was considered...

"Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden is notable for its use of satire, mock heroic style, and biblical allegory. These literary techniques allow Dryden to critique and praise political figures of...

Both Satan and Achitophel begin by calling their potential victims “sovereign” (Satan: “sov’reign mistress”; Achitophel: “Auspicious prince”), and then they call them other flattering names. Both...

Achitophel poisons Absalom's mind by first flattering him, calling him destined to be a king and likening him to Moses and Christ. He then plays on Absalom's insecurities, warning that his current...

Dryden's wit in "Absalom and Achitophel" is both a strength and a weakness due to its good humor. His satire is characterized by "fine raillery," avoiding harsh condemnation and instead using gentle...

In "The Portrait of Zimri," John Dryden satirizes the Duke of Buckingham by depicting him as Zimri, a wealthy but foolish noble. Dryden critiques him as a man with resolute yet misguided opinions and...

In "Absalom and Achitophel," Dryden includes nonsatirical portraits of the Royal faction to praise King David's supporters, paralleling King Charles II's allies. These portraits underscore Dryden's...

In "Absalom and Achitophel," people mistake David's mercy for fear because they see his benevolent rule as a weakness. This leads them to believe they have the right to overthrow him, similar to how...