Absolam and Achitophel

 This blog is part of thinking activity assigned by Dilip Barad sir.

🔶 About the John Dryden :-

John Dryden was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who in 1668 was appointed England's first Poet Laureate.He is seen as dominating the literary life of Restoration England to such a point that the period came to be known in literary circles as the Age of Dryden. Romanticist writer Sir Walter Scott called him "Glorious John".

* Write any one or as many topics given below or any other topic of your choice related to Dryden's  A & A :-

1) Characters in favour of David and that of Achitophel - draw table and write few lines on each character in two columns of the table and characters in favour and against of King David/ Charles II.

2) Write on the theme of your choice . write ' quotes from the(absolam and achitophel) poem ' in support of the theme you are writing about .

3) Comment upon the beginning of the poem ('Absolam and Achitophel '). prompt ChatGPT by giving lines from the beginning of the poem and ask to make ' critique ' of the same.

4) Can you find any political satire worth comparing with this (Absolam and Achitophel) poem written in contemporary times? If so, write about it. What sort of difference you see while comparing both political satires.

🔶  Here I am writing  Three answers for questions :-

Que :- 2 

Write on the theme of your choice . write ' quotes from the(absolam and achitophel) poem ' in support of the theme you are writing about .

Ans.

🌸 Introduction :-

In the vast tapestry of English literature, few works are as politically charged and intellectually stimulating as "Absalom and Achitophel," a satirical poem written by John Dryden in 1681. While this poem was penned centuries ago, its themes and insights continue to resonate in our modern society. In this blog, we will explore the enduring relevance of "Absalom and Achitophel" and draw inspiration from quotes within the poem to shed light on contemporary issues.

🌸 Theme :-

∆    The Perils of Ambition and Manipulation :-

One of the central themes of "Absalom and Achitophel" is the perils of ambition and political manipulation. Through the lens of historical allegory, Dryden masterfully depicts the corrupting influence of power-hungry individuals who exploit the aspirations of others for their own gain. 

Let's delve into some quotes from the poem to support this theme :-

(1.) "Great actions are not always true sons of great and mighty resolutions."

This quote from the poem underscores the idea that ambitious individuals may appear noble on the surface, but their true motivations often lie in self-interest. In today's world, we can see countless examples of politicians and leaders who use lofty rhetoric to mask their personal agendas.

(2.) "Success the mark no merit makes, 'tis Fortune's rule; The great Alcides, Fortune's favour'd tool, Was born with worth, but not with fortune's full."

Here, Dryden reminds us that success in politics and life is often determined by luck and circumstance rather than merit alone. In our modern society, the role of luck in success remains a contentious topic, with debates over privilege and opportunity continuing to shape public discourse.

(3.) "All human things are subject to decay, And, when Fate summons, monarchs must obey."

This line serves as a stark reminder that even the most powerful figures are ultimately subject to the forces of time and fate. In an era of ever-changing political landscapes, this quote encourages us to reflect on the transient nature of power and the importance of humility.

(4.) "To choose for places, trust not to their worth, Crowd never justly, who have oftenest sought."

Dryden's cautionary words regarding the appointment of individuals to positions of power serve as a timeless warning against nepotism and cronyism in politics and business. In our contemporary world, the importance of merit-based appointments remains a critical issue.

🌸 Conclusion :-

The enduring relevance of "Absalom and Achitophel" lies in its ability to provide insight into the complex and often treacherous world of politics and ambition. Dryden's masterful use of language and allegory allows us to draw parallels between the themes of his time and the challenges we face today. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, let us heed the wisdom of this timeless poem and strive for a world where ambition is guided by principles of integrity and the greater good, rather than the pursuit of personal gain.

Que :- 3

Comment upon the beginning of the poem ('Absolam and Achitophel '). prompt ChatGPT by giving lines from the beginning of the poem and ask to make ' critique ' of the same.

Ans.

🌼 Introduction :-

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a political allegorical poem written by John Dryden in 1681. This satirical masterpiece delves into the tumultuous political landscape of 17th-century England. To appreciate the poem in its entirety, it's essential to scrutinize its opening lines, which set the tone and establish the central themes. In this critique, we will dissect and comment upon these initial lines to gain insight into Dryden's intentions and poetic prowess.

* The Opening Lines :-

The poem begins with the following lines:

"The Jews, a headstrong, moody, murm'ring race,

As ever tri'd th'extent and stretch of grace;

God's pamper'd people, whom, debauch'd with ease,

No king could govern, nor no God could please."

 ∆ Critique :-

(1.) Imagery and Characterization :-

Dryden's use of vivid imagery in the opening lines is striking. He characterizes the Jews as a "headstrong, moody, murm'ring race," immediately painting a portrait of a contentious and difficult group. This characterization is not intended to be an accurate historical portrayal but rather an allegorical representation of the political factions and divisions in England at the time. Dryden employs powerful visual imagery to lay the foundation for his commentary on the tumultuous political climate.

(2.) Allusion to Biblical History :-

The mention of "God's pamper'd people" is a clear allusion to the biblical history of the Israelites. This reference serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it underscores the idea of a chosen people who, despite God's blessings, are discontented and rebellious. On the other hand, it foreshadows the characters and events that will be allegorically represented in the poem, particularly the figure of King David and his son Absalom.

(3.) Social Commentary :-

Dryden's opening lines also carry a significant social commentary. By describing a people whom "no king could govern, nor no God could please," he critiques the challenges faced by rulers in managing a populace prone to dissatisfaction and discord. This commentary is not limited to the biblical context but mirrors the political turmoil of his own time, with the unstable monarchy of King Charles II and the divisive political climate.

(4.) Irony and Satire :-

The use of irony and satire is a hallmark of Dryden's poetry. He employs irony in portraying the Jews as "God's pamper'd people" who are nevertheless hard to please. This irony sets the stage for the satirical tone of the poem, where contemporary political figures are thinly veiled as biblical characters. Dryden uses humor and wit to criticize and lampoon the figures and events of his era.

🌼 Conclusion :-

The opening lines of "Absalom and Achitophel" are a masterful introduction to John Dryden's satirical and allegorical poem. Through vivid imagery, biblical allusions, and social commentary, Dryden sets the stage for a scathing critique of the political and social unrest of his time. These lines establish the tone of irony and satire that pervades the entire poem, making it a timeless work of political and poetic significance.

Que :- 4

Can you find any political satire worth comparing with this (Absolam and Achitophel) poem written in contemporary times? If so, write about it. What sort of difference you see while comparing both political satires.

Ans.

🌺 Introduction :-

Absalom and Achitophel" is a famous political satire written by John Dryden in the late 17th century, and there have been several contemporary political satires that are worth comparing to it. One notable example is the TV series "Veep," created by Armando Iannucci and later run by David Mandel, which aired from 2012 to 2019.

"Veep" is a modern political satire that revolves around the life and career of Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president (later president) of the United States.

 Here are some key differences and similarities when comparing "Absalom and Achitophel" to "Veep":

 (1.) Medium of Expression :-

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a long narrative poem, while "Veep" is a television series. This contrast highlights how the medium of expression has evolved over time.

(2.) Setting and Context :-

•  Dryden's poem is set in the biblical and historical context of King David's reign, with allegorical connections to the political events of his own time, particularly the Exclusion Crisis in England.

•  "Veep" is set in contemporary America, satirizing the political landscape and the inner workings of the U.S. government, reflecting issues and dynamics relevant to its era.

(3.) Tone and Style :-

•  Dryden's poem employs a more formal and poetic style, using allegory and biblical references to comment on political events."

•  "Veep" uses a sharp, witty, and often profane comedic style, reflecting the fast-paced, cutthroat nature of modern politics.

(4.) Characters :-

•  "Absalom and Achitophel" features characters based on historical and biblical figures, often serving as allegorical representations of real people.

•  "Veep" has fictional characters who, while exaggerated for comedic effect, are more directly connected to contemporary political figures and archetypes.

(5.) Satirical Targets :-

•  Dryden's poem satirizes the political and religious conflicts of his time, particularly the struggle over the succession to the English throne and the Exclusion Crisis.

•  "Veep" satirizes modern political incompetence, ambition, and the absurdity of bureaucracy within a democratic system.

(6.) Humor and Critique :-

•  Dryden's satire is more subtle and layered, combining humor with moral and political commentary.

•  "Veep" employs more overt and sometimes absurd humor, often focusing on the personal foibles and flaws of its characters.

🌺 Conclusion :

Absalom and Achitophel" and "Veep" are both political satires, they differ in their settings, styles, and satirical targets due to the vast differences in historical context and medium. Dryden's poem is a classic example of allegorical and poetic political satire, while "Veep" offers a contemporary, sharp, and often irreverent take on modern politics through the lens of television comedy. Both, however, serve as insightful commentaries on the politics of their respective times.

🔸 Work cited :-

- ChatGPT

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