Paper no 101 - Loyalty, Rebellion, and Satire: The Political Undercurrents of "Absalom and Achitophel”

Paper 101 : Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration period 

 This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 101 - Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Period , in this paper I going to dealing with the topic

Loyalty, Rebellion, and Satire: The Political Undercurrents of Absalom and Achitophel

Personal information 

Name :-  Krupali Belam 

Batch :-   M.A. Sem 1 (2024-2026)

Enrollment Number :-  5108240007

E-mail Address:-krupalibelam1204@gmail.com 

Roll Number :- 14

Assignment details

Topic :-  Loyalty, Rebellion, and Satire: The Political Undercurrents of Absalom and Achitophel” 

Paper & subject code :- 101: literature of Elizabethan and restoration period 

Submitted to :- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 20 November , 2024

Table of contents 

⛰  Abstract 

⛰ Introduction 

⛰ Historical and Political Context

⛰ The Allegorical Structure of the Poem

⛰ Loyalty to the Monarchy and the                Divine Right of Kings

⛰ Rebellion: A Critique of Whig Factions

⛰ The Nature of Political Ambition

⛰ Satirical Techniques in Absalom and          Achitophel

⛰ Dryden’s Critique of Public Opinion           and the Mob

⛰ Religious Undertones and Divine                 Right 

⛰ The Legacy of Absalom and Achitophel

⛰ Conclusion

Abstract 

John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is a seminal work of political satire that uses allegory to comment on the political landscape of 17th-century England, particularly during the Exclusion Crisis. Through the use of biblical references, Dryden critiques the political tensions between the Royalists (Tories) and the Whigs, focusing on themes of loyalty, rebellion, ambition, and the divine right of kings. This analysis delves into the historical context of the poem, its allegorical structure, and the ways in which Dryden uses satire to expose the flaws and motivations behind political actions. By examining the characters of Absalom, Achitophel, and King David, the poem critiques the political machinations of the time, presenting a powerful message about the dangers of rebellion, the role of the monarchy, and the destructive potential of political ambition.

Introduction

John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel (1681) stands as one of the foremost examples of political satire in English literature. In this masterful work, Dryden presents an allegory that reflects the political turmoil of England during the Exclusion Crisis of the late 17th century. Through this lens, the poem critiques the divisions in English politics, notably the conflict between the Royalists (Tories) and the opposition Whigs, centered on the succession to the English throne. Dryden, a committed Royalist, uses biblical references and vivid characterizations to explore the complexities of loyalty, rebellion, ambition, and the role of the monarchy.

Historical and Political Context

The Exclusion Crisis

The Exclusion Crisis (1679-1681) was a critical period in English history that had profound political implications. At its core, the crisis revolved around the question of succession to the English throne. James, Duke of York, the brother of Charles II, was Catholic, and many in Protestant England feared the re-establishment of Catholicism under his reign. The Whig faction, led by the Earl of Shaftesbury and other prominent figures, sought to exclude James from the throne, advocating instead for the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, Charles II's illegitimate son. This political struggle pitted the Whigs against the Tories, who supported the divine right of kings and believed that James’s claim to the throne was divinely ordained.

Dryden, a staunch Royalist, aligned himself with the Tories, opposing the Whigs’ radical stance. In Absalom and Achitophel, Dryden used the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, to frame the political drama of the time. The poem allegorizes the conflict, with King David representing Charles II and Absalom standing in for the ambitious and charismatic Duke of Monmouth.

Dryden’s Tory Allegiance

Dryden’s political views were firmly Royalist, and Absalom and Achitophel reflects his belief in the divine right of kings. For Dryden, the monarchy was not only a political institution but a sacred one, ordained by God. The Whigs’ efforts to exclude James were, in Dryden’s eyes, a challenge to the very foundation of political stability and social order. Dryden's allegorical portrayal of Absalom's rebellion is a condemnation of those who sought to destabilize the natural order for personal or factional gain. This political context shapes Dryden's treatment of loyalty and rebellion in the poem, framing them as central to the preservation of the monarchy and the social fabric of England.

The Allegorical Structure of the Poem

 The Biblical Framework

Absalom and Achitophel is a carefully constructed allegory that uses the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, to reflect the political situation of 17th-century England. In the biblical account, Absalom’s ambition to seize the throne leads to a tragic rebellion that ultimately results in his death. Dryden adapts this story, aligning the biblical figures with contemporary political figures in a way that not only illuminates the nature of rebellion but also critiques the characters involved in the English political turmoil.

In Dryden’s allegory, King David represents Charles II, the legitimate monarch, while Absalom is a symbolic stand-in for the Duke of Monmouth. Achitophel, a key character in the biblical narrative who persuades Absalom to rebel, becomes a representation of the Earl of Shaftesbury, who, through his political machinations, sought to challenge the divine right of kings and promote the exclusion of James from the throne.

 Key Characters and Their Parallels

The characters in Absalom and Achitophel are clearly modeled after the key political figures of the Exclusion Crisis. Dryden’s portrayal of these figures, while rooted in allegory, also incorporates real-world characteristics and political ideologies.

King David (Charles II): 

As the symbol of the divine right of kings, David represents the legitimate authority of the monarchy. Dryden’s portrayal of David underscores the sacred nature of kingship and the legitimacy of Charles II’s rule.

Absalom (James, Duke of Monmouth):

Absalom represents the ambitious, charismatic, and ultimately flawed figure who challenges the established order. Dryden paints Absalom as a tragic hero, driven by youthful idealism but ultimately manipulated by his advisors, leading to his downfall.

Achitophel (Earl of Shaftesbury):

Achitophel is depicted as a master manipulator, using his political savvy to incite rebellion and undermine the authority of the monarchy. Dryden presents Achitophel as calculating and opportunistic, a figure who, despite his rhetoric, is motivated by personal ambition rather than any true desire for the welfare of the nation.

Loyalty to the Monarchy and the Divine Right of Kings

King David as Charles II

Dryden's portrayal of King David in the poem is deeply tied to the concept of the divine right of kings. For Dryden, Charles II's authority as monarch is not merely a matter of political legitimacy but a divine mandate. This belief is reflected in the character of David, who is portrayed as the rightful ruler chosen by God, and his sovereignty is not to be questioned.

In the opening lines of the poem, Dryden introduces this divine right as the foundation of the monarchy:

 "What mighty contests rise from trivial things,

Whence the fierce nation of the jealous kings,

Whose deep, divine descent, with wonder grows."

This passage frames the political conflicts of the time as being rooted in a larger, divinely ordained structure. Charles II’s authority is presented as sacred, and Dryden critiques those who challenge the throne as questioning the divine will. The idea of loyalty to the monarch is not just political loyalty, but loyalty to God’s appointed ruler.

 The Role of Loyalty in Maintaining Social Order

For Dryden, loyalty is a virtue that ensures social stability. The monarchy, as a divine institution, requires unwavering loyalty to maintain the natural order. In the poem, Dryden contrasts the loyalty of characters such as David’s supporters with the treachery of Absalom and his conspirators. Dryden critiques the fickle nature of political allegiances, particularly in the case of the Whigs, who he sees as opportunistic and self-serving.

The theme of loyalty is central to Dryden’s portrayal of the conflict between the monarchy and its enemies. Through his allegorical figures, Dryden emphasizes the importance of fidelity to the throne as essential for preserving the moral and political order. This idea is particularly embodied in the character of David, who, despite his personal struggles, remains steadfast in his role as the legitimate ruler.

 Rebellion: A Critique of Whig Factions

 Absalom as a Symbol of Rebellion

Absalom’s character is a powerful symbol of rebellion in Absalom and Achitophel, representing the challenges posed to the monarchy during the Exclusion Crisis. In the biblical narrative, Absalom rebels against his father, King David, driven by personal ambition and a desire for power. Similarly, Dryden uses Absalom to represent the Duke of Monmouth, Charles II’s illegitimate son, who aspired to claim the throne and was seen by many as the leader of the Whigs’ movement to exclude James, the Catholic heir, from the throne.

Absalom’s actions reflect the dangerous allure of rebellion, especially when motivated by a mixture of personal ambition, idealism, and manipulation. In the poem, Dryden emphasizes the disillusionment and tragic consequences of rebellion, as Absalom’s rise to power ultimately leads to his downfall. This parallel to the Exclusion Crisis is crucial because it highlights the disruptive potential of rebellion and the instability it brings to both the monarchy and the nation.

Achitophel: The Manipulative Rebel Leader

Achitophel, the key figure behind Absalom’s rebellion, represents the machinations of the Whig faction, led by the Earl of Shaftesbury. In Dryden’s portrayal, Achitophel is a manipulative and opportunistic leader who seeks to destabilize the monarchy for personal and political gain. Achitophel is the figure who convinces Absalom to rebel, using flattery and deceit to exploit his ambitions.

Dryden’s depiction of Achitophel reveals his deep skepticism about the motives of political leaders who incite rebellion. Achitophel’s ambition is not driven by any true concern for the welfare of the nation but by his personal desire for power and influence. Through Achitophel, Dryden critiques the nature of political ambition and the ways in which such ambition can lead to moral corruption and chaos. Achitophel manipulates Absalom’s sense of justice and righteousness, portraying himself as a champion of the people, but his ultimate goal is self-preservation and the furtherance of his own political agenda.

The Nature of Political Ambition

Achitophel’s Ambition and Manipulation

Achitophel’s political ambition is one of the central themes of Absalom and Achitophel, and it serves as a powerful critique of the dangers of unchecked ambition in political life. Throughout the poem, Dryden portrays Achitophel as a figure who is willing to manipulate others to achieve his own ends. His role as a manipulator is symbolized by his cunning speeches and his ability to convince Absalom of the righteousness of rebellion, despite the harmful consequences.

Achitophel’s ambition is driven by a desire to gain influence over the monarchy and to reshape the political landscape to his advantage. However, Dryden shows that this ambition ultimately leads to destruction. Achitophel’s manipulations do not bring the change he desires but instead contribute to the downfall of both Absalom and the political order.

In his critique of Achitophel’s ambition, Dryden reflects a broader concern with the dangers of political opportunism. By aligning Achitophel with the Whigs, Dryden suggests that their actions, driven by personal ambition and a desire for power, were not motivated by any true concern for the nation’s welfare. Instead, their rebellion against the monarchy represented a destabilizing force that threatened the moral fabric of the state.

 The Dangers of Ambition in Politics

Through the characters of Absalom and Achitophel, Dryden explores the corrupting influence of ambition in politics. Both figures are portrayed as products of a political system that rewards self-interest and personal gain, rather than loyalty to the greater good of the nation. Their actions demonstrate the consequences of acting out of ambition rather than a sense of duty or moral integrity.

Dryden’s depiction of ambition as a destructive force in Absalom and Achitophel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political power when it is sought for selfish reasons. The poem warns of the potential chaos and instability that can arise when political leaders prioritize their own ambition over the welfare of the people and the stability of the state.

Satirical Techniques in Absalom and Achitophel

Irony and Exaggeration

Dryden employs various satirical techniques throughout Absalom and Achitophel, using irony and exaggeration to critique the political figures and events of his time. One of the most prominent techniques is irony, particularly in his portrayal of the Whig faction and its leaders. Dryden uses irony to highlight the contradictions between the Whigs' self-righteous rhetoric and their actions, which he sees as self-serving and detrimental to the nation.

For example, Dryden’s portrayal of Achitophel is laced with irony, as Achitophel presents himself as a defender of justice and the people's will, even though his true motives are rooted in ambition and personal gain. Through such irony, Dryden emphasizes the duplicitous nature of political leaders who claim to act in the name of the people while pursuing their own interests.

Mock-Heroic Elements

Another key satirical element in Absalom and Achitophel is the use of mock-heroic elements. Dryden deliberately elevates the political struggle between the monarchy and the Whigs to the level of a grand epic, mimicking the style of classical heroic poetry. This mock-heroic treatment serves to highlight the absurdity of the political conflict and underscores Dryden’s belief that the rebellion against the monarchy was not a noble cause but a frivolous and misguided pursuit.

For example, Dryden exaggerates the significance of the political conflict, portraying Absalom’s rebellion as a great, almost mythological struggle, when in reality, it was a power struggle driven by factional interests and personal ambition.

 Dialogue and Soliloquy

Dryden uses dialogue and soliloquy effectively in Absalom and Achitophel to reveal the inner thoughts and motivations of the characters. Through the speeches of figures like Achitophel and Absalom, Dryden exposes the self-serving nature of their political ambitions and the manipulations at work behind the scenes. The dialogue also serves to clarify the ideological divide between the Tories and the Whigs, with each side presenting its views in contrast to the other.

 Dryden’s Critique of Public Opinion and the Mob

 The Role of the People in the Poem

The poem also addresses the role of the people in political affairs. Dryden critiques the susceptibility of the masses to manipulation and their tendency to follow charismatic leaders without fully understanding the consequences of their actions. In the poem, Absalom's rebellion is not just a personal affair; it is also a matter of public opinion, with the people rallying to Absalom’s cause despite the chaos it would bring.

Dryden’s portrayal of the masses highlights the dangers of populism and the ease with which the public can be swayed by rhetoric and superficial promises. In Absalom and Achitophel, the mob is portrayed as easily manipulated by figures like Achitophel, who exploits public sentiment for his own gain.

Public Opinion and its Manipulation

Dryden critiques the role of public opinion in the Exclusion Crisis, suggesting that it was easily manipulated by political factions for their own benefit. Through his portrayal of the people’s fickleness and susceptibility to persuasion, Dryden warns of the dangers of letting the masses dictate the direction of political affairs. He shows how the mob’s loyalty can shift quickly, leading to political instability and uncertainty.

In the poem, Dryden suggests that the manipulation of public opinion is one of the most dangerous aspects of political rebellion. It allows ambitious leaders like Achitophel to gain power and influence, even when their true motives are self-serving.

Religious Undertones and Divine Right

The Role of Divine Right in Monarchy

One of the central themes of Absalom and Achitophel is the divine right of kings, the belief that monarchs rule by divine will and are accountable only to God. Dryden, a staunch supporter of this principle, uses the character of King David to illustrate the sacredness of monarchy and the importance of loyalty to the throne.

Dryden’s portrayal of David as a divinely appointed ruler is a critique of those who sought to undermine the monarchy through rebellion. The poem presents loyalty to the monarch as not only a political duty but a moral and religious one. To rebel against the king is to rebel against God’s will.

 The Moral Argument for Loyalty

Through the character of David, Dryden presents a moral argument for loyalty to the monarch as a divine and natural obligation. David’s authority is portrayed as God-given, and by extension, disloyalty or rebellion against him is not only a political crime but a spiritual one. Dryden’s insistence on the sanctity of monarchy is a direct response to the political turbulence of the Exclusion Crisis, where the stability of the monarchy was being questioned by the Whig factions.

The moral argument that Dryden makes through David is that the monarchy represents a crucial part of the divine order, and by undermining it, the rebels are challenging the very foundation of moral and societal law. The rebel figures Absalom and Achitophel are portrayed as having lost sight of this divine order, and as such, their rebellion is ultimately depicted as immoral, leading to their ruin.

This religious justification for monarchy, represented by David's character, also serves to contrast the secular motivations of the rebels. Achitophel and Absalom’s ambition for power, rooted in personal gain and political maneuvering, is shown to be fundamentally at odds with the divine purpose of monarchy. Thus, the rebellion is not just a political crisis but a moral one, undermining the order that God himself has established.

Conclusion

In Absalom and Achitophel, Dryden masterfully weaves a complex narrative that serves as both a political satire and a moral commentary on the nature of rebellion, loyalty, and ambition. The poem critiques the political factions that threatened the stability of the monarchy during the Exclusion Crisis and uses the biblical story of Absalom to reflect on the consequences of political rebellion.

Dryden’s portrayal of Absalom and Achitophel explores the destructive potential of ambition, the manipulative nature of political leaders, and the consequences of disrupting the natural and divine order. Through the character of King David, Dryden defends the idea of the divine right of kings and emphasizes the moral duty of loyalty to the throne. The poem ultimately suggests that rebellion, driven by selfish ambition and manipulated by unscrupulous leaders like Achitophel, is not only politically dangerous but morally corrupt.

The political implications of Absalom and Achitophel are clear: Dryden is warning against the dangers of factionalism, populism, and rebellion, suggesting that such actions threaten the very fabric of society. By presenting rebellion as both a political and moral threat, Dryden reinforces the idea that stability, order, and loyalty to the monarchy are essential for the well-being of the nation.

Words : 3068

Images : 5

References

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Krook, Anne K. “Satire and the Constitution of Theocracy in ‘Absalom and Achitophel.’” Studies in Philology, vol. 91, no. 3, 1994, pp. 339–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4174493. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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Weinbrot, Howard D. “‘Nature’s Holy Bands’ in ‘Absalom and Achitophel’: Fathers and Sons, Satire and Change.” Modern Philology, vol. 85, no. 4, 1988, pp. 373–92. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/438347. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.