Absalom and Achitophel : Quotations
Absalom and Achitophel is a notable literary work by John Dryden. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Absalom and Achitophel.
Quotations
Quote: “Desire of greatness is a god-like sin.”
Explanation: Dryden says that the desire to be great may seem noble, but it is actually dangerous. Even good people can be led astray when they are tempted by pride and ambition.
Quote: “Resolv’d to ruin or to rule the state.”
Explanation: This line shows Achitophel’s extreme ambition. He would either take control of the country or destroy it if he could not have power.
Quote: “Bad in itself, but represented worse.”
Explanation: This line illustrates the severity of the Popish Plot.
Quote: “Beware the fury of a patient man.”
Explanation: This is a warning that even calm people can become dangerous if pushed too far. King David is patient, but if forced, he will strike back powerfully.
Quote: “Plots, true or false, are necessary things.”
Explanation: Dryden sarcastically suggests that in politics, plots are often useful tools. Achitophel says this to provoke Absalom.
Quote: “The Jews, a headstrong, moody, murm’ring race,
No king could govern, nor no God could please;”
Explanation: Dryden criticizes the Jews for being disobedient and hard to rule. He compares them to the English public who are never satisfied, no matter how just the ruler is.
Quote: “Kings are the public pillars of the state,
Born to sustain and prop the nation’s weight.”
Explanation: Here, Dryden defends monarchy. He says that kings are necessary to hold the country together and keep the nation strong and stable.
Quote: “These Adam-wits, too fortunately free,
Began to dream they wanted liberty:”
Explanation: Dryden mocks the ordinary people who misused their freedom. They did not understand true liberty and started demanding more than what was reasonable.
Quote: “My father governs with unquestioned right,
The faith’s defender and mankind’s delight,
Good, gracious, just, observant of the laws,
And heav’n by wonders has espoused his cause.”
Explanation: Absalom praises King David. He says that his father is a rightful and just ruler. He follows the law, protects religion, and even heaven supports him.
Quote: “A man so various, that he seemed to be
Not one, but all mankind’s epitome;”
Explanation: Dryden describes Zimri as a man full of contradictions. He is so changeable that he seems to represent all human foolishness in one person.
Quote: “Blest madman, who could every hour employ,
With something new to wish, or to enjoy!”
Explanation: Dryden humorously mocks people like Zimri who are never satisfied. They always