Consider “Absalom and Achitophel” as a Satire

Answer

Write a note on Dryden as a satirist in the light of his poem “Absalom and Achitophel.” Or Consider “Absalom and Achitophel” as a satire. Or Give an estimate of Dryden as a satirist in the context of “Absalom and Achitophel.” Or, Discuss how Dryden attacks the 18th-century social picture of England in his poem “Absalom and Achitophel.”

John Dryden’s (1631-1700) poem “Absalom and Achitophel” (1681) is a political satire. The poem cleverly satirizes the political crisis in England during King Charles II’s reign. It uses allegory to represent the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion against the king. It exposes the political crisis and social issues of the time.

Nature and Origin of Satire: According to the Cambridge Dictionary, satire means 

A way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way, especially in order to make a political point, or a piece of writing that uses this style.

Satire flourished in England and Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Dryden, Pope, and Swift are the satirists of England; Boileau, Moliere, and Voltaire are in France; Richter and Heine are in Germany; and Cervantes is in Spain. Each of these satirists had one thing in common: they hated hypocrisy.

The Characters in the Poem: In “Absalom and Achitophel,” John Dryden uses a Biblical story to discuss politics in 17th-century England. King David represents King Charles II, Absalom represents the Duke of Monmouth, and Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury. The poem highlights themes of betrayal, ambition, and unrest in England at that time.

Satire on English People: In the poem “Absalom and Achitophel,” Dryden shows the fanciful and fickle-minded English people. They constantly complained about their king because they were not satisfied with the king.  He says,

…the people have a right supreme

To make their kings; for kings are made for them.

After Oliver Cromwell’s death, they made his foolish son Richard the Lord Protector their ruler. Soon, they were dissatisfied with him and dethroned him. They called Charles, who was living in exile, and made him the king of England. But soon, they were motivated to build the republic-destroyed Monarchy. Thus, Dryden satirizes the English people.

Satire on Politics: In “Absalom and Achitophel,” Dryden satirizes the politicians of England. The character of Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury. Achitophel is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative figure who persuades Absalom to rebel against his father. Dryden’s depiction of Achitophel is offensive and highlights his duplicity and ambition. For instance, Dryden writes:

Of these the false Achitophel was first:

A name to all succeeding ages curst.

Dryden condemns Shaftesbury’s role in fomenting rebellion and disagreement through such lines. The satirical portrayal of Achitophel criticizes those who manipulate others for their own political gain. It reflects the corrupt and self-serving nature of many politicians of Dryden’s time.

Satire on Parliament: Dryden also satirizes Parliament. The Exclusion Bill recommended excluding James II from the line of succession. Parliament wanted the Duke of Monmouth as the successor to King Charles. The king opposed the bill and dissolved Parliament. He was asked to call Parliament to approve its nomination for the next king. He likens it to Jacob’s deceit in pretending to be Esau to gain Isaac’s blessing. Outwardly pious, they prayed for the king’s safety while secretly plotting to seize his power.

Satire on Religion: Dryden criticizes all religious groups and their leaders. He calls them self-serving. He says Jews are stubborn, English people change rulers often, and Catholics are like heathens. Dryden argues that priests of any religion support each other, even if they do bad things. It shows they are as self-interested as politicians.

This set the heathen priesthood in a flame;

For priests of all religions are the same.

Here, Dryden shows how people use religion to manipulate others. He reveals the hypocrisy and selfishness of those who exploit religious differences for personal gain.

In conclusion, Dryden is the best paradigm as a satirist because he satirizes contemporary society, politics, politicians, Parliament, and the English people in his poem “Absalom and Achitophel.” So, it is transparent that Dryden is a satirist, and his poem Absalom and Achitophel is satire.