Why was Absalom unwilling to revolt against his father?
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.
Answer
Why was Absalom unwilling to revolt against his father?
Absalom is the main character in Dryden’s (1631-1700) “Absalom and Achitophel” (1681). He is the son of King David. He loves his father and respects him. He is brave and kind. At first, he does not want to fight for the crown. His heart is not ready for revolt. Many things stop him from rebelling.
Fatherly Love: Absalom truly loves his father, David. David gives him everything he wants. Absalom knows that David is kind, wise, and loving. So, he feels grateful. He says that David would give him the crown if he could. He does not want to hurt his father. His deep love stops him from fighting against David.
Respect for the King: Absalom respects David as a good king. He knows that David rules with peace and mercy. David is fair and does not enjoy war. Absalom believes that the king’s power is strong and legal. He says that David’s right to the throne is “unquestioned.” He says,
“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.”
So, Absalom feels it is wrong to take the crown by force.
In fine, at first, Absalom is not ready to rebel. He loves and respects his father. He fears sin and wants peace. These feelings keep him away from revolt. But slowly, Achitophel’s words change his mind. Dryden shows us that even a good man can fall when he listens to false friends.