Absalom and Achitophel

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir (Department of English, MKBU). For more details of the task click here. This blog is about poem Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden. Here few beginning lines from the poem and critical analysis of the same are discussed with the help of chat GPT.

Few lines from the beginning of the poem.

Critical Analysis:

The opening lines of John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" are a masterful example of satirical wit and historical commentary. Here's a critique of these lines:

1. Satirical Tone: Dryden employs a satirical tone from the very beginning. He subtly mocks the shifting moral and religious standards over time by describing an era "ere priest-craft did begin" when polygamy was acceptable, contrasting it with the contemporary view that condemns it as a sin. This sets the stage for the satirical exploration of hypocrisy and political maneuvering.

2. Historical and Biblical Allusion: Dryden effectively uses historical and biblical allusions to draw parallels between the past and the present. By referencing King David as "Israel's monarch" and portraying him as a figure who had multiple wives and concubines, Dryden creates a satirical commentary on the changing moral landscape of both biblical and contemporary society.

3. Critique of Religious and Political Hypocrisy: These lines serve as a critique of religious and political hypocrisy. Dryden implies that moral standards are subject to manipulation and change based on political motivations and religious interests. The condemnation of polygamy in his contemporary society, while it was accepted in biblical times, highlights the malleability of moral principles.

4. Exploration of Succession and Legitimacy: Dryden subtly raises questions about the legitimacy of heirs and succession. He hints that the offspring of King David's numerous unions may not be considered legitimate successors due to evolving societal norms. This underscores the arbitrary nature of determining legitimacy in both political and religious contexts.

5. Irony and Social Commentary: Dryden uses irony to highlight the irony of shifting moral values and the role of political and religious authorities in shaping those values. His commentary extends beyond biblical history to address the political and religious climate of his own time, where moral standards were influenced by political power struggles.

In summary, these opening lines of "Absalom and Achitophel" effectively set the stage for the satirical exploration of shifting moral values, religious and political hypocrisy, and the arbitrary nature of legitimacy. Dryden's use of wit, historical references, and irony engages the reader in a thought-provoking critique of both past and contemporary society.

Work Cited:

“Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden | Poetry Foundation.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44172/absalom-and-achitophel.

Barad, Dilip. Absalom and Achitophel: Worksheet. blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/absalom-and-achitophel-worksheet.html. Poetry Foundation. 

OpenAI. "Critique of the Opening Lines in 'Absalom and Achitophel' by John Dryden." ChatGPT, 17 September 2023.