Absalom and Achitophel
Hello everyone, today I would like to discuss about Absalom & Achitophel as a satire. It's a very long poem by John Dryden. Now the first thing is arrive in our mind that what is satire ? Why poets and authors use satire ? So here is answer that;
"the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues"
Poets and authors uses it for showing the harsh reality of society through some other event or examples. Satire is a form of literature, the proclaimed purpose of which is the reform of human weaknesses or vices through laughter or disgust. Satire is different from scolding and sheer abuse, though it is prompted by indignation. Its aim is generally constructive, and need not arise from cynicism or misanthropy. The satirist applies the test of certain ethical, intellectual and social standards to men and women, and determines their degree of criminality or culpability. Satire naturally has a wide range; it can involve an attack on the vices of an age, or the defects of an individual or the follies common to the very species of mankind. Absalom and Achitophel is "generally acknowledged as the finest political satire in the English language". It is also described as an allegory regarding contemporary political events, and a mock heroic narrative. On the title page, Dryden himself describes it simply as "a poem". In the prologue, "To the Reader", Dryden states that
"the true end of satire is the amendment of vices by correction".
Dryden marks his satire with a concentrated and convincing poetic style. His satiric verse is majestic, what Pope calls:
“The long majestic march and energy divine”
Absalom and Achitophel has inspired a great deal of discussion regarding satire: how satire was defined when Dryden wrote, and how this poem contrasts with the ancient models of Horace, Virgil, and Juvenal.
There are many topics in which Dryden make satire on. Some of i want to discuss here:
●Dark side of king :-
In this poem we can see that King David has so many affairs with so many womens. He has so many illegitimate childrens also. Absalom is one of them. But the thing is that it is common for king, they have right to do anything what they want ! Here Dryden make satire on king Charles || (the king of England) with the allegorical representation of king David (the king of Israel). This is the polygamy of king David. Dryden make satire on this term. We find this type of examples in Indian literature, in RAMAYANA King Dasharatha, who has three wifes. And another example is lord krishna who have 1600 wife's. It's example of the polygamy of king's.
●Divine Power :-
"All empire is no more than power in trust."
In this quotation, Dryden explains the nature of authority and this authority only king have. Authority is granted to those in power by those who are subject. In other words, those in power only have as much authority as the people will give to them; it's borrowed power. Thus an empire is a large collection of power which is concentrated in the hands of a few but which at any second can be taken back by the people. Another implication here is that empires are temporary establishments because none will last forever, as if they are merely loans. King David of Israel has all the power in theory, but in practice, he has little ambition. According to Achitophel, the King’s deceitful counselor, David is lacking “manly force,” and he gives in too easily to the people. The King is “mild” and hesitant to draw blood, and Achitophel, in his own ambition for increasing power, sees David as weak. Dryden's poem suggests that the desire for power is a common one in the hearts of men. Almost all men want it in some fashion or another, and they are easily swayed from their rightful place and beliefs if given the opportunity to amass it. Absalom is generally a good, loving, and moral son, but he cannot help himself when Achitophel comes calling with whispers of the throne. Achitophel also holds a significant position, but it is not enough for him. Whether one is in politics, the law, or religion, one still has these desires. Dryden doesn't condemn ambition outright, but he asserts that one must know his place and that, if it is not moral or legitimate to seek a specific office or position, then the one who occupies it has the right to resist with force.
●Divine Right:-
In the poem "Absalom & Achitophel" Dryden make satire on this system. This system has been running since ancient time that king's son become the next king. Only the legitimate blood of king is become king. People are believe that the king is choose by God and they only have right to rule the country. So they believe that the king is angel of God. So they worship king like god !
●The Spirit of Revenge:-
We find the spirit of revenge in this poem through the character of Achitophel. Achitophel tries to take revenge against king David with the help of Absalom. He didn't do anything but he used Absalom as his wapen against king and provoke Absalom for rebel against his father.
●Religious sectarian:-
As we know that religious topics are also causes for any fight and any arguments. At the center of John Dryden’s poem “Absalom and Achitophel” is God and religion. The poem is a satirical critique of contemporary politics, but Dryden couches his argument in a biblical story from the Book of Samuel. That time state is divided into two team the Jews and the Jebusites. And some are wants to continue that system. In present time politicians are also trying to make against the people of country. This is what the politicians doing nowadays. Religion is enough matter for any fight ! People are divided into the path of many religion and it's also cause of inside breaking of Our nation. Politicians tame advantage of it. They keep people busy in this type of religious matters and people miss the true topics of discussion about the country which is very pivotal. There is nobody who understand what humanity is trying to do. This video can give idea about this ,
●Conspiracy theory :-
Here in the poem "Absalom & Achitophel" we can see conspiracy theory of Achitophel. He is provoking Absalom to doing rebel against his father. There are lots of examples of people who prepare conspiracy for their personal ambition and benefits. We can connect it with our life also. There are many people, relatives and friends also who doing conspiracy against us with the help of our other close friends and relatives.
●Malleability and Malcontentedness of The People :-
Dryden does not have a lot of positive things to say about the people of England (who are the Jews in the poem). They are fickle, self-interested, foolish, and easily swayed. Dryden make satire on this also about people. As Achitophel knows well, "Weak arguments! which yet he knew full well, and Were strong with people easy to rebel". They are a "Solymaean rout" who are "In godly faction, and in treason bold; and Cow'ring and quaking at a conqu'ror's sword" . They fall for weak and specious arguments, they are swayed by emotion and sentimentality, and, ultimately, "the most may err as grossly as the few". The strong, legitimate ruler should use his power to quell their unrest and punish those who step out of line.
●Paternity and Patriarchy :-
There are numerous evocations of fathers and sons in this poem. David is the father of Absalom, but God is his Father. David is the patriarch of the land and must put aside his earthly fatherly feelings for Absalom in order to do his own Father's bidding. Absalom loves his father and wishes to emulate him, but whereas David is god-like, Absalom is purely a man. A parallel to Absalom is Barzillai's son, who remains untarnished in his reputation because he served his post faithfully (and even died for it). If David is to be the father to the people and to retain his paternal authority bestowed from God, then he must set his earthly son in his place. Dryden made satire of this patriarchy system.
●Women Helplessness :-
As we see in the poem "Absalom and Achitophel" Dryden explore Michal (King David's wife) as a women without son. She is not able to give birth of any child to king. If we think with today's perspective theory people believe that the women is only a baby feeding machine, They have to do all housework, taking care of babies etc. And women feel it very seriously. They broke down inside.
Dryden chose the well known Biblical story of Absalom revolting against his father David, at the wicked instigation of Achitophel, in order to satirise the contemporary political situation. The choice of a Biblical allegory is not original on dryden’s part, but his general treatment of the subject is beyond comparison, as Courthope points out. But all the while Dryden takes care to see that the political satire in not lost in the confusion of a too intricate Biblical parallelism. The advantage of setting the story in pre-Christian times is obvious as it gave Dryden had at once to praise the King and satirise the King’s opponents. To discredit the opponents he had to emphasise on Monmouth’s illegitimacy; but at the same time he had to see that Charles (who was Monmouth’s father) was not adversely affected by his criticism.
To wind up Dryden is correctly regarded as the most vigorous and polished of English satirists combining refinement with fervour. Dryden is unequalled at debating in rhyme and Absalom and Achitophel displays his power of arguing in verse. It may be said that Absalom and Achitophel has no rival in the field of political satire. Apart from the contemporary interest of the poem and its historical value, it appeal to the modern reader lies in its observations on English character and on the weaknesses of man in general. His generalisations on human nature have a perennial interest. Dryden triumphed over the peculiar difficulties of his chosen theme. He had to give, not abuse or politics,but the poetry of abuse and politics. He had to criticise a son whom the father still liked; he had to make Shaftesbury denounce the King but he had to see to it that the King’s susceptibilities were not wounded. He had to praise without sounding servile and he had to criticise artistically. Dryden achieves all this cleverly and skilfully. Achitophel’s denunciation of the king assumes the shades of a eulogy in Charles’ eyes. Absalom is a misguided instrument in Achitophel’s hands. The poem is certainly a political satire, but it is a blend of dignity with incisive and effective satire.
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