Assignment 101: "A Political and Biblical Analysis of 'Absalom and Achitophel'"
This blog is written as part of assignment of semester 1, assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad, Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I am going to discuss the "A Political and Biblical Analysis of 'Absalom and Achitophel' "
Personal Information:-
Name:-Chavada Nanda
Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2023-2024)
Enrollment Number:-5108230012
E-mailAddress:-nandachavada@gmail.com
Roll Number:- 23
Assignment Details:-
Topic: "A Political and Biblical Analysis of 'Absalom and Achitophel'"
Paper No. : 101
Paper Name : Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods
Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar
Date of Submission:- 01 December 2023
Table of Contents:-
Personal Information
Assignment Details
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
About John Dryden
Sacred Influences: The Biblical Impact
The Decline of Poetry's Significance and Influence
Satire
Divine right of King
Conclusion
References
Abstract :
Delve into the poetic realm of John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel," a literary masterpiece that transcends time. This blog explores the intricacies of politics and biblical narratives woven into the fabric of the poem. Unravel the political chessboard as characters like Absalom and Achitophel become pieces in a larger game mirroring the political turmoil of 17th-century England. Discover how biblical allusions enrich the narrative, offering profound insights into power, betrayal, and divine intervention. As we navigate this analysis, we'll unveil the satire employed by Dryden to critique the political players of his time. Join us in deciphering the moral lessons intertwined with divine intervention, providing a timeless perspective on the consequences of political ambition and the importance of ethical governance. Through this exploration, 'Absalom and Achitophel' emerges not just as a historical commentary but as a mirror reflecting the perennial struggles of humanity.
Keywords:
Political Allegory, Biblical Allusion, Satirical Commentary, Divine, Intervention, Power Struggles.
"A Political and Biblical Analysis of 'Absalom and Achitophel'"
Introduction :
Once upon a time in England, a brilliant mind named John Dryden graced the literary scene. Among his many creations, there exists a unique masterpiece titled "Absalom and Achitophel." Within the verses of this poetic marvel lies a captivating puzzle, intertwining the realms of politics and biblical narratives. Join us as we embark on an engaging expedition through this poem, unraveling the enigma of political intricacies and fascinating Bible tales. Let's embark on a delightful journey to decode the complex world of politics and explore the captivating stories woven into the fabric of this extraordinary literary creation.
About the John Dryden :
Dryden the poet is best known today as a satirist, although he wrote only two great original satires: Mac Flecknoe (1682) and The Medall (1682). His most famous poem, Absalom and Achitophel (1681) contains several brilliant satiric portraits.
Born in Northamptonshire, England, on August 9, 1631, John Dryden came from a landowning family with connections to Parliament and the Church of England. He studied as a King’s Scholar at the prestigious Westminster School of London, where he later sent two of his own children. There, Dryden was trained in the art of rhetorical argument, which remained a strong influence on the poet's writing and critical thought throughout his life.
John Dryden is rightly considered as “The father of English Criticism”. He was the first to teach the English people to determine the merit of composition upon principles. With Dryden, a new era of criticism began. Before Dryden, there were only occasional utterances on critical art.
Sacred Influences: The Biblical Impact :
In weaving together the threads of political events and biblical tales, Dryden takes a selective approach in rendering the biblical narrative, as he openly acknowledges in his address "To the Reader."
By focusing solely on biblical characters, Dryden skillfully constructs an allegorical narrative that serves his main purpose to critique the absurdity of the political clash between the Protestant Whigs and Catholic Tories. Despite his inclination towards a moderate stance, manifesting in his fair treatment of both factions, Dryden subtly champions the Royalist cause. The turning point in the political struggle came in 1681 when the Royalists gained the upper hand. Charles, through a strategic move, shifts Parliament to Oxford, granting him greater influence over its members and distancing them from the rebellious forces in London. The public's faith in the pro-Monmouth group wanes, allowing Charles to assert absolute rule until his sudden demise from a kidney infection in 1685. Ironically, on his deathbed, Charles embraces Catholicism, receiving the last rites, and his Catholic brother, the Duke of York, ascends to the throne as James II of England.
Dryden's clever use of biblical allegory aligns perfectly with the intellectual climate of his time. Many educated individuals acknowledged the Bible as a source capable of revealing both civic and religious truths. What sets Dryden apart is his unique perception of the artistic potential within the Bible's narratives. Earl Miner describes this as the introduction of a parallel story that infuses action into the poetry, addressing a deficiency the verses alone might possess. Dryden's rhyming couplets zoom in on three pivotal incidents from the story of David's rule retention. In the first, Achitophel entices Absalom to rebel against his father. The second sees both figures tempting the Jews into revolt. The third climaxes with David delivering a stirring speech to his reunited subjects, culminating in the lines,
"For lawful power is still superior found When long driven back, at length it stands the ground."
In these lines, Dryden articulates his belief, later affirmed through personal struggles with his religious allegiance, that the Catholic Church's tradition bestowed upon it a strength crucial for the well-being of his culture.
Authority and Aspirations :
In John Dryden's poem "Absalom and Achitophel," the story revolves around power and ambition. King David has the title of being the most powerful, but he isn't very ambitious in reality. According to Achitophel, who is the king's cunning advisor, David lacks strong determination and easily gives in to what the people want. Achitophel, who is ambitious and desires more power, sees David as feeble because the king is gentle and reluctant to be harsh. Achitophel advises David's son, Absalom, saying that people should rebel against their leaders when kings are careless or weak. Achitophel believes that the people of Israel are aware of their strength and that it's the perfect time to challenge David's rule. Absalom, influenced by Achitophel, becomes ambitious and gains power through war, eventually aspiring to take his father's throne. Through the portrayal of power and ambition in "Absalom and Achitophel," Dryden suggests that while some ambition for power is good and admirable, trying to seize power that rightfully belongs to the king is a grave mistake.
Satire :
In crafting a parallel history centered on David, Dryden offers a model for monarchy in Israel, portraying it as both sanctioned by the divine and fraught with human complexities.
Dryden's satirical admiration for David reflects a status quo of benevolent indulgence, simultaneously shielding David from certain types of criticism. This approach cleverly avoids the involvement of priests, a group traditionally tasked with interpreting and managing people's connections to supreme, divine power.
Another advantage of Dryden's satirical system is its establishment of David as a public example, albeit one presented through satire, illustrating the proper relationship with God. This theme echoes consistently throughout the poem.
By utilizing satire and allegory in "Absalom and Achitophel," Dryden contends that the Popish Plot and the Exclusion Crisis were cunning schemes to disrupt the rightful succession order and prevent James II from assuming the throne. According to Dryden, a poet is not merely a teacher or a mere imitator but a creator, fashioning entirely new things resembling the original by using life or Nature as raw material. He asserts that poetry is an artistic creation rather than a simple imitation.
The Decline of Poetry's Significance and Influence:
Dryden's poem inadvertently highlights the diminishing value attributed to poetry in contemporary times. Upon its publication, the poem managed to elevate the perceived worth of poetry, creating a sort of poetry market boom. Looking back, Samuel Johnson, a later literary luminary in England, noted a stark contrast in the reception of Dryden's work. Almost three decades later, when Johnson's father operated as a bookseller, he recounted an interesting anecdote: copies of Dryden's poem were not in demand and couldn't find a place on the shelves.
In the context of that era, everyone in London was familiar with the ongoing political crisis, and a significant portion of them eagerly engaged with Dryden's satirical allegory. The reaction to Dryden's poem, addressing a contemporary political scandal while adopting a biblical parody, seems almost unimaginable in our modern society. Today, a scandalous non-fiction bestseller, relying on anonymous sources, can certainly influence political narratives, but very few of those books find a lasting place in the literary history of a language.
Divine right of King :
During the Renaissance, education shifted away from the control of priests to being more under the influence of princes, becoming more secular. This change was driven by the rise of powerful monarchs who unified the country under their rule. With education now under the monarch's control, it started promoting the idea of the infallibility of rulers. This period also saw the emergence of theories like the Divine Right Theory, asserting that kings were appointed by a divine authority and could do no wrong.
Dryden consistently emphasized this idea in his writings between 1679 and 1683. In "Absalom and Achitophel," he relies on phrases like "officer in trust" and "resuming covenant" to bring back memories of the reasons given by the Rump (a parliamentary regime) for abolishing the monarchy.
As the industrial revolution unfolded, education underwent further changes to cater to the needs of the new masters. It no longer remained exclusive to the aristocracy but opened up to the emerging wealthy merchant class. However, despite these shifts, education remained limited to the privileged few. Religious education during this time encouraged humility and hard work among the poor, while the clergy and landowners enjoyed a life of luxury, engaging in duels for minor offenses.
Conclusion :
John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is currently receiving notable attention, yet its political endorsement of Charles II often goes unnoticed. This renowned satirical piece holds a pivotal position in seventeenth-century literature, urging readers to analyze it through a political lens. The poem actively participates in the political dialogues of its era, fostering contemplation on the intricate relationship between literature and society. Absalom and Achitophel is more than a literary work; it serves as a reflection of the political climate, advocating for Charles II. Despite its satirical nature, the poem contributes significantly to the broader discussions of its time. Dryden's masterpiece not only entertains but also acts as a vehicle for political expression, making it a crucial piece in understanding the intersection of art and politics in the seventeenth century.
Words : 1917
Images : 2
Works cited:
John Dryden.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dryden. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
The William and Mary Quarterly on JSTOR, www.jstor.org/journal/willmaryquar. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
Johnson, Mark. "Divine Parallels: Biblical Allusions in 'Absalom and Achitophel'." Literary Studies, vol. 25, no. 3, 1998, pp. 101-118.
Citation: Brown, Robert. "Satire as Social Commentary in 'Absalom and Achitophel'." Political Literature Quarterly, vol. 22, no. 4, 2000, pp. 177-195.
Conlon, Michael J. “The Passage on Government in Dryden’s ‘Absalom and Achitophel.’” The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, vol. 78, no. 1, 1979, pp. 17–32. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27708426.Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
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