Discuss Absalom & Achitophel as a political satire.

 

Ans:

Satire is a form of literature. The proclaimed purpose of it is the reform of human weakness or cices through laughter or disgust. It’s aim is generally constitutive and need not arise from cynicism or misastrophy. Absalom and achitophel is a landmark political satire by John Dryden due to its British political reference. Dryden’s personal involvement in politics and Biblical allusions.

The poem originated in the political situation of England and one cannot fail to note that several personalities are satirized in it. Published in November 1681, The theme was suggested by the King to Dryden’s. At this time, the question of succession to king Charles had been thrown into prison to face a charge of high treason. There were two contenders for the succession. Firsty, Charles brother James, Duke of York, aknown Roman catholic; the second contender was Chales illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth. The Whigs supported Monmouth while the Tories supported the cause of James in otder to ensure stability in the country. There was great pubic unrest on account of the uncertainity of succession. King Charles II saw to it that the exclusion Bill brought James, could not be pushed through. The Earl of Shaftesbury, a highly ambitious man, sought to capitalize on this unrest. He also urged Monmouth to rebel against his father. The King, through fond of his illegitimate son, did not support his succession because that would have been againstlaw. The Earl of Shaftesbury was arrested on a charge of high treason and lost people’s support.

Dryden’s involvement in politics makes the poem a political satire. The aim of Dryden was to support the King and to expose his enemies. Dryden has nothing but praise for the King’s moderation in political matters and his leniency towards rebels. Dryden’s lash falls on the King’s enemies particularly the Earl of Shaftesbury. He was reckless politician without any principles. However, the King’s strictness and instinct for the rule of law won for him popular support and he was able to determine the succession according to his desire.

The choice of Biblical allegory is not original on Dryden’s part, but his general treatment of the subject is beyond comparison. But all the while Dryden takes care to see that the political satire is not lost in the confusion of a too intricate Biblical parallelism.

In conclusion, it may be said that Absalom and Achitophel has no rival in the field of political satire. The poem is certainly a political satire,  but t is a blend f dignity with incisive and effective satire.