In Dryden's epic poem the Jews are presented, like late seventeenth-century Englishmen, as being stubborn and self-willed. As such, they are profoundly dissatisfied with David as their king, despite his mild, benevolent rule.
Detailed Summary King David of Israel who is compared to Charles II of England had no legitimate issue from his legally married wife, though he had a number of illegitimate children from his several mistresses.
Of these illegitimate issues, Absalom who is compared to the Duke of Monmouth was the bravest, handsomest and most polished of mien and manners.
He charmed everybody and won their esteem and regard. He had distinguished himself in a number of battles abroad. He was the favorite child of his father, the King, and popular with the people. John Dryden The Jews English were moody and self-willed. They were not satisfied even under the mild and gentle rule of King David.
They clamored for greater liberty. They cherished the belief that since they had restored the king to the throne they had also the right to dethrone him. But the sober-minded section of the people was peace-loving.
It had not forgotten the horrors that the civil war brought in its train. So, it wanted peace. Further, David ruled so well that even the malcontents among the people could not get a chance to raise the banner of revolt.
Only the Devil alone provided them with an excuse to rebel. It was the so-called Popish Plot. The Jebusites Catholics were treated oppressively by the chosen people Protestants in a variety of ways. They were deprived of their lands and were made to pay enhanced taxes.
They could not be appointed to any high post under the government and were made to suffer many disabilities. They continued to suffer silently, but the situation became highly insufferable for them when their gods and holy relics were burnt.
Such a turn in the situation they made a bid to convert the Protestants to their faith. This alarmed the Jewish Rabbles the clergy of the Church of England and also inflamed their mind.
Hence originated the Popish Plot. This plot was verified with solemn oath by Titus Oates and others and was similarly denied and disowned by the Catholics. It was even alleged that the Jebusites Catholics had designed to assassinate the King.
The plot failed to win its immediate objective, but its repercussions were wide ranging.As related to Absalom and Achitophel, Free Study Guides and book notes including comprehensive chapter analysis, complete summary analysis, author biography information, character profiles, theme analysis, metaphor analysis, and top ten quotes on classic literature.
Home › Literature › As related to Absalom and Achitophel As related to Absalom and Achitophel Absalom and Achitophel begins in the world of Old Testament history.
Dive deep into John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel with extended analysis, commentary, and discussion. At the beginning of the poem, this realization that David is not a God himself is still blurred, especially with the introduction of Absalom, his son.
Absalom-and-Achitophel. In the relationship between Absalom and David we see one of the clearest and most blatant forms of biblical imagery. In David’s creation of Absalom his is immensely proud. The Question and Answer section for Absalom and Achitophel is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
Write a note on Dryden’s art of characterisation in Absalom and Achitophel. One passage in John Dryden’s poem Absalom and Achitophel, in which Achitophel definitely tries to poison Absalom’s mind, consists of lines In this speech, Achitophel begins by Discuss Absalom and Achitophel by John .