Absalom and Achitophel : Summary

Summary

In the poem, King David represents King Charles II and his illegitimate son Absalom represents James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. James Scott was rumored to be the illegitimate son of Charles II. Here, Achitophel (Earl of Shaftesbury) refers to the Earl of Shaftesbury. He was a political figure who was involved in various attempts to limit the power of the monarchy. 

1. A Defense of King David by John Dryden:  King David is ruling Israel very nicely, peacefully, and righteously. He is very popular among the people. But David has many mistresses throughout Israel. Because at that time kings could have more than one wife and mistress if they wanted. And it was religiously valid in Israel at that time. David’s wife’s name was Michal (Catherine Braganza-wife of Charles II). She was also a king’s daughter. But she was not having any children. So David kept many mistresses. This is essentially how John Dryden defends King David.

2. Description of Absalom:  Absalom is very brave and intelligent. So David always praised him and liked him a lot. Absalom killed his half brother Amanon. This is because Amanon raped their half-sister. But their father David forgave Absalom because Absalom established justice. And Absalom also loved and respected his father.

3. David’s Kingship and His Regime: The Jews of Israel liked to change kings every 20 years. That is, they never depended on one king. So they once put Saul (Oliver Cromwell) in power. Dissatisfied with Saul’s rule, the people of Israel brought David from Hebron (where he was exiled) to Israel and installed him as king.

So when David became king, the Jebusites (Roman Catholic) demanded Jerusalem from David. They said Jerusalem was theirs. But the Jews prevailed over the Jebusites and captured Jerusalem. Then the Jebusites sought the help of the Egyptian Pharaoh. But it was of no use. The Jews succeeded in suppressing the mass movement of the Jebusites. And in Israel, the ruling power of the Jews continued very smoothly until the death of David.

4. Achitophel’s Conspiracy against David: But at this point, Achitophel, a greedy Jew, wanted to take advantage of David’s weakness. He originally wanted to be the king of Israel. But he knew that he was not a member of the royal family, so he could never be king. Thinking this, he planned to harm David. So to replace David, he started using his son Absalom. He told Absalom that he is qualified to rule the kingdom. He is very brave and intelligent. But why is David planning to make David’s brother king instead of making Absalom king? Israel needs an excellent king. And this excellent king can only be Absalom. Absalom must declare rebellion against David to regain his rights. Thus he continued to whisper evil in Absalom’s ears.

But Absalom says, he finds no fault with his father here. He knows that his father loves him a lot and respects him a lot. But at one place he also got a bit hesitant. And that is, even after he has a worthy successor, why does his father want to make his uncle the king! Achitophel then realizes that his evil plan is working. He then tells Absalom that Absalom should see if his father is really working for the Jews? Achitophel tells Absalom, “I will put your father in a crisis. Then it will be known what he wants. If he asks for help from the Jebusites or Pharaoh, then it will be understood that David has become a Jebusite. Then the Jews will reject him already”. Then Achitophel said, referring to Saul, “Saul was rejected by the people. Because he could not rule well. And David was put in power by the people. So if David becomes the Jebusites, the people will go to your side. And you will be, Israel’s.” The Next King”. Thus he brainwashed Absalom.

5. Absalom’s Rebellion against David: Now Corah made a plot like that Popish plot. And then all of Israel was divided into two parts. On one side, David’s supporter, on the other hand, Absalom and Achitophel’s supporter. Now Absalom, on the advice of Achitophel, began to travel to different parts of the country to form public opinion. He was repeatedly explaining to the people why his father was planning to make his uncle, a Jebusite, king even though he was a worthy heir! So Absalom built a strong public support for him throughout Israel.

6. King David’s Speech and the Establishment of Peace in Israel: Meanwhile, Amiel, a loyal supporter of King David, alerts King David to the plot of Absalom and Achitophel. King David reviews everything very well. He got very angry. He gave a speech to the people of Israel. He said, he has done the duty of father for so long. This time he will serve as king. And he will not tolerate any conspiracy in Israel. He loves the people of Israel as his own children. Hearing his speech, the people understand that Absalom and Achitophel have been misled for so long.

The poem then begins a final battle between King David’s army and Absalom. Absalom was eventually defeated in battle and killed. Achitophel chooses to commit suicide. Meanwhile, King David was able to maintain his reign and restore order to the kingdom. Among King David’s loyal supporters was a character named Zadok and a character named “Earl of Rochester”. Here, together, they work to thwart Ahithophel’s plans and preserve the rightful succession to the throne.

Finally Some Words

Throughout the poem, Dryden uses vivid and satirical language to comment on the political situation in England. He portrays Ahithophel as a scheming and manipulative man who does not hesitate to sacrifice Absalom for his own political ambitions. He also criticized the Whig Party for its opposition to the monarchy. Despite its political commentary, “Absalom and Achitophel” is one of Dryden’s powerful creations. Dryden’s use of metaphor and his mastery of language and form have established the poem as a classic of English literature.