Unit IV: Eighteenth Century Poetry 1. John Dryden: "Absalom and Achitophel" Lines 150-476

 Unit IV: Eighteenth Century Poetry

1. John Dryden: "Absalom and Achitophel" Lines 150-476

Two-mark Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Who is the author of "Absalom and Achitophel"?

   A: The author is John Dryden.

2. Q: What biblical story does the poem allegorically retell?

   A: The poem allegorically retells the story of Absalom's rebellion against King David.

3. Q: Who does the character of David represent in the poem?

   A: David represents King Charles II of England.

4. Q: What real-life figure does Absalom represent?

   A: Absalom represents the Duke of Monmouth, Charles II's illegitimate son.

5. Q: What genre of poetry is "Absalom and Achitophel"?

   A: It is a satirical poem.

6. Q: In what year was "Absalom and Achitophel" first published?

   A: It was first published in 1681.

7. Q: What meter is the poem written in?

   A: The poem is written in heroic couplets (rhyming iambic pentameter).

8. Q: Who does the character of Achitophel represent?

   A: Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, a prominent Whig leader.

9. Q: What political crisis does the poem address?

   A: The poem addresses the Exclusion Crisis of 1678-1681.

10. Q: How does Dryden portray Absalom's character?

    A: Dryden portrays Absalom as charismatic but easily influenced and ambitious.

Five-mark Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Analyze Dryden's use of biblical allegory in this section of "Absalom and Achitophel".

   A: Dryden's use of biblical allegory in "Absalom and Achitophel" is both sophisticated and politically pointed. By casting contemporary political figures as characters from the Old Testament, Dryden creates a framework that allows him to comment on current events while maintaining a degree of poetic distance. The choice of the Absalom story is particularly apt, as it deals with themes of rebellion, loyalty, and legitimate succession - all key issues in the Exclusion Crisis. Dryden uses the biblical parallels to emphasize the divine right of kings, portraying Charles II (David) as a divinely appointed ruler. The allegory also allows Dryden to draw moral lessons from the biblical story and apply them to contemporary politics. However, Dryden doesn't adhere slavishly to the biblical narrative, adapting it where necessary to fit his political message. This flexible use of allegory demonstrates Dryden's skill in blending classical literary techniques with contemporary political commentary.

2. Q: Discuss Dryden's portrayal of Achitophel (the Earl of Shaftesbury) in this section of the poem.

   A: Dryden's portrayal of Achitophel (representing the Earl of Shaftesbury) is a masterpiece of political satire. He presents Achitophel as a complex and dangerous figure, acknowledging his intelligence and political skill while condemning his ambition and cunning. Dryden describes Achitophel as "A name to all succeeding ages curst," emphasizing his role as a corrupting influence. The poet highlights Achitophel's eloquence and persuasive abilities, which he uses to manipulate others, particularly Absalom. Dryden also emphasizes Achitophel's restless ambition and his willingness to create political chaos for his own gain. The portrayal is nuanced, recognizing Achitophel's talents while ultimately condemning him as a threat to political stability. Through this characterization, Dryden not only criticizes Shaftesbury specifically but also makes a broader point about the dangers of unchecked political ambition and the manipulation of popular sentiment.

3. Q: Explain how Dryden uses imagery and metaphor in this section to convey his political message.

   A: Dryden employs rich imagery and metaphor in this section of "Absalom and Achitophel" to convey his political message with both subtlety and force. He often uses natural imagery to describe political situations, such as comparing the potential for rebellion to a flood held back by a dam. This creates a sense of the natural order being threatened by political instability. Dryden also uses bodily metaphors, describing the body politic as susceptible to disease and corruption, with Achitophel as a kind of political physician who "Swore he'd be the death of all mankind." Military imagery is employed to portray the intensity of political conflict, with words and ideas described in terms of weapons and warfare. Dryden also uses classical allusions and mythological references to elevate his subject matter and draw parallels between contemporary events and timeless themes. These varied and vivid images and metaphors serve to make Dryden's political arguments more engaging and memorable, while also adding layers of meaning to his satire.

4. Q: Analyze Dryden's characterization of Absalom (the Duke of Monmouth) in this portion of the poem.

   A: Dryden's characterization of Absalom (representing the Duke of Monmouth) in this section is complex and nuanced. He portrays Absalom as a character with many admirable qualities - he is described as handsome, charismatic, and beloved by the people. Dryden acknowledges Monmouth's popularity and his natural gifts, which make him an appealing figure to the masses. However, Dryden also emphasizes Absalom's flaws, particularly his vanity, ambition, and susceptibility to manipulation. The poet suggests that Absalom's virtues are undermined by his lack of judgment and his willingness to be led astray by Achitophel. Dryden portrays Absalom as torn between his loyalty to his father (David/Charles II) and his own ambitions, stirred up by Achitophel. This internal conflict adds depth to the characterization and serves Dryden's political message about the dangers of ambition and the importance of loyalty to the rightful king. Through this portrayal, Dryden creates a character who is sympathetic yet flawed, allowing for a critique of Monmouth that acknowledges his appeal while ultimately condemning his actions.

5. Q: Discuss how Dryden's use of heroic couplets contributes to the poem's effect in this section.

   A: Dryden's use of heroic couplets in this section of "Absalom and Achitophel" is crucial to the poem's impact and effectiveness. The heroic couplet, consisting of rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines, provides a structure that suits Dryden's satirical and argumentative purposes. The regular rhythm and rhyme create a sense of authority and inevitability, reinforcing Dryden's political arguments. The couplet form allows Dryden to craft memorable, aphoristic statements that encapsulate his views, such as "Great wits are sure to madness near allied, / And thin partitions do their bounds divide." The closed nature of each couplet enables Dryden to deliver pointed satirical jabs, with the rhyme often emphasizing the key words in his attacks. At the same time, Dryden skillfully uses enjambment to create a flowing narrative that prevents the couplets from becoming monotonous. The form's association with epic poetry lends gravity to Dryden's subject matter, elevating contemporary political conflicts to the level of classical themes. Overall, the heroic couplet form provides Dryden with a powerful tool for combining poetic beauty with political argument, creating a work that is both aesthetically pleasing and rhetorically forceful.

Essay Question:

Analyze Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" (Lines 150-476) as a work of political satire. How does Dryden use literary techniques such as allegory, characterization, and poetic form to comment on the political situation of his time? Consider the historical context of the poem and its relevance to understanding 17th-century English politics.

Introduction:

John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" stands as a landmark of English political satire, using the vehicle of biblical allegory to comment on the tumultuous politics of late 17th-century England. This essay will examine how Dryden employs various literary techniques in Lines 150-476 to craft a sophisticated political commentary, considering the historical context of the Exclusion Crisis and the poem's significance in understanding the political dynamics of the time.

Historical Context:

To appreciate Dryden's satire fully, it's crucial to understand the historical context. The poem was written in 1681 during the Exclusion Crisis, a period of intense political conflict centered around attempts to exclude the Catholic Duke of York (the future James II) from succeeding his brother, Charles II, to the throne. The crisis pitted the Whig faction, who supported exclusion, against the Tories, who supported the traditional line of succession. Dryden, a supporter of the royal court, used his poem to defend Charles II's position and criticize the Whig leaders, particularly the Earl of Shaftesbury.

Use of Biblical Allegory:

Dryden's primary literary device in "Absalom and Achitophel" is biblical allegory. By recasting contemporary figures as characters from the Old Testament story of Absalom's rebellion against King David, Dryden creates a framework that allows him to comment on current events while maintaining a degree of poetic distance. This technique serves several purposes:

1. It provides a familiar narrative structure that his audience would readily understand.

2. It allows Dryden to draw parallels between biblical events and contemporary politics, lending weight to his arguments.

3. It enables him to criticize powerful figures indirectly, offering some protection against accusations of libel.

The choice of the Absalom story is particularly apt, as it deals with themes of rebellion, loyalty, and legitimate succession - all key issues in the Exclusion Crisis. By casting Charles II as David, Dryden emphasizes the divine right of kings and the righteousness of the established order.

Characterization:

Dryden's characterization of the major figures in the poem is a key element of his satirical technique. His portrayal of Achitophel (the Earl of Shaftesbury) is particularly noteworthy. Dryden presents Achitophel as a complex figure, acknowledging his intelligence and political acumen while ultimately condemning him as a dangerous and corrupting influence. Lines such as "A name to all succeeding ages curst" establish Achitophel as a villain, while descriptions of his eloquence and persuasive abilities highlight the danger he poses.

The characterization of Absalom (the Duke of Monmouth) is more sympathetic but still critical. Dryden portrays him as charismatic and popular, but also vain and easily manipulated. This nuanced portrayal allows Dryden to criticize Monmouth's actions while acknowledging his appeal, creating a more sophisticated argument than simple vilification.

Dryden's character descriptions often blend physical and moral attributes, using physiognomy as a way to suggest inner qualities. This technique, common in classical literature, lends his characterizations a sense of authority and inevitability.

Poetic Form and Language:

Dryden's use of heroic couplets is integral to the poem's effect. This form, consisting of rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines, provides a structure that suits Dryden's satirical and argumentative purposes. The regular rhythm and rhyme create a sense of authority and inevitability, reinforcing Dryden's political arguments. The couplet form allows Dryden to craft memorable, aphoristic statements that encapsulate his views, such as:

"Great wits are sure to madness near allied,

And thin partitions do their bounds divide."

These couplets serve as powerful rhetorical tools, delivering Dryden's arguments in a form that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to remember.

Dryden's language is rich in imagery and allusion. He employs classical references alongside biblical ones, demonstrating his erudition and elevating the subject matter. His use of metaphor is particularly effective in conveying political ideas, often drawing on natural imagery to suggest the organic nature of proper governance and the disruptive force of rebellion.

Satirical Techniques:

Dryden employs a range of satirical techniques to criticize his political opponents. These include:

1. Irony: Often used to undercut the arguments of the Whigs.

2. Exaggeration: Employed to highlight the perceived absurdity of his opponents' positions.

3. Parody: Mimicking and mocking the language and arguments of his adversaries.

4. Wit and Wordplay: Used to create memorable phrases that encapsulate his criticisms.

These techniques allow Dryden to deliver his political message in a way that is engaging and persuasive, using humor and literary skill to reinforce his arguments.

Relevance to Understanding 17th-Century Politics:

"Absalom and Achitophel" provides valuable insights into the political dynamics of late 17th-century England. It illustrates the power of literature as a political tool, demonstrating how poets could influence public opinion and participate in political debates. The poem also reveals the complex web of loyalty, ambition, and ideology that characterized Restoration politics.

Dryden's defense of monarchical authority and his criticism of popular unrest reflect the tensions of a period still shaped by the aftermath of the Civil War and the Restoration. His portrayal of the relationship between the king and his subjects, and his warnings about the dangers of faction and rebellion, speak to the ongoing process of defining political authority and legitimacy in this period.

Conclusion:

Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" represents a high point of English political satire, demonstrating the power of poetry to engage with pressing political issues. Through his skillful use of biblical allegory, nuanced characterization, and masterful command of poetic form and language, Dryden created a work that is both a literary achievement and a significant political statement. The poem not only commented on the immediate context of the Exclusion Crisis but also engaged with broader questions about governance, loyalty, and the nature of political authority. As such, it remains a valuable resource for understanding the political and cultural dynamics of late 17th-century England, while also demonstrating the enduring power of literature to shape political discourse.