Absalom and Achitophel: Analysis of Major Characters
"Absalom and Achitophel: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the key figures in John Dryden's satirical poem, which allegorically reflects the political tensions during the reign of Charles II of England. Central to the narrative is King David, representing Charles II, who is faced with the discontent of a faction of Jews (Whigs) aiming to elevate his illegitimate son, Absalom, akin to the Duke of Monmouth, to the throne. Absalom, characterized as a rebellious and ambitious figure, becomes a pawn in the schemes of Achitophel, the chief of the dissenting faction and a stand-in for the Earl of Shaftesbury, who seeks to destabilize David's reign.
The poem also portrays various secondary characters, including other rebellious chieftains such as Zimri and Shimei, alongside loyal supporters like Barzillai and Zadoc, who strive to inform King David about the conspiracies surrounding him. Through these characters, Dryden explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the complexities of political power struggles, reflecting broader societal sentiments of the time. This analysis invites readers to consider the intricate relationships and motivations that drive the characters, offering insights into the historical and political landscape of 17th-century England.
Absalom and Achitophel: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Dryden
First published: 1681
Genre: Poetry
Locale: London, England
Plot: Satire
Time: Late seventeenth century
David, the king of Israel, a poetic representation of Charles II, king of England. Many dissatisfied Jews (Whigs) wish to rebel against him and secure the succession of his illegitimate son, Absalom (the Duke of Monmouth), to the throne. The wiser Jews (Tories) see no cause for revolt against a just ruler.
Absalom, the illegitimate son of David, king of Israel, and a poetic representation of the Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of Charles II, king of England. The dissident Jews (Whigs) seek to make him heir to his father's throne.
Achitophel, the chief of the rebellious Jews (Whigs) and a poetic representation of the Earl of Shaftesbury, who attempts to persuade Absalom (the Duke of Monmouth) to seize his father's throne.
Zimri (Buckingham), Shimei (sheriff of London), and Corah (Titus Oates), rebellious Israelite (Whig) chieftains whose characters are sketched by the poet.
Barzillai (the Duke of Ormond), Zadoc (the archbishop of Canterbury), The Sagan of Jerusalem (the bishop of London), Adriel (the Earl of Mulgrave), Jotham (the marquis of Halifax), Hushai (Laurence Hyde), and Amiel (Edward Seymour), loyal Israelite (Tory) chieftains who convince King David (Charles II) that his son Absalom (the Duke of Monmouth) is being used as a tool by Achitophel (the Earl of Shaftesbury).