Absalom and Achitophel

  

Hello everyone, this blog is part of thinking activity task. 

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Background

Que:1 Draw character chart of Absalom and Achitophel. 

Que:2 Theme of Absalom and Achitophel. 

The theme of "Absalom and Achitophel" is about political power, loyalty, and the struggle for leadership. It's like a story with hidden meanings. Let me explain some of the key themes using lines from the poem:

1. Political Power and Loyalty:The poem talks about how people in power, like kings and leaders, need loyal followers. It says, 

"Greatness with Timely Praise their Passion moves; | The Fools are Envy'd, but the Wise are Lov'd."

 This means that when leaders are praised at the right time, they are admired by smart people, but others may become jealous.

2. Treachery and Betrayal:It shows how some people can betray their leaders. It says, 

"That jaundic'd Eye of his, and Feverish Heat, | Inflam'd him with a false, Diseas'd Delight."

 This means that a person's unhealthy desires and bad intentions can lead them to betray others.

3. The Struggle for Leadership: The poem tells a story of a son (Absalom) wanting to take his father's (David) place as a leader. It says,

 "The Anointed Son assumes the Regal Style, | Nor Tarquin nor Agrippa's Arms the while."

 This means that the son tries to become the ruler, and it compares him to ancient leaders like Tarquin and Agrippa.

Overall, "Absalom and Achitophel" uses this story to talk about the challenges of leadership, loyalty, and the dangers of betrayal in a clever and poetic way.

Que:3 Beginning of the poem : 

Here are the opening lines of John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" along with a description:

Lines from the Poem:

"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;

(God they had tri'd of every shape and size,

That godsmiths could produce, or priests devise;)"

Description :

The poem starts by describing the Jewish people as headstrong and difficult to please. It says they tested the patience and mercy of God. These lines set the tone for the poem, comparing the Jews to a challenging group to govern, much like the political situation in England during the time of Charles II, which the poem allegorically addresses.

Lines from the Poem:

"Their diff'ring factions, and contrarious lusts,

Found other objects for debate than trust.

And said, they ow'd their rev'rence to a king,

Whom men could neither love, nor trust nor sing."

Description:

In these lines, the poem speaks of the divided and conflicting factions among the Jewish people. They were more focused on their disagreements and desires than on having trust in their leadership. The mention of owing reverence to a king they couldn't love or trust sets the stage for the political turmoil and lack of trust in the leadership of Charles II in 17th-century England, which the poem allegorically addresses.

Que: 4 Comparison of  similar work like Absalom and Achitophel.

 Here's a comparison of "Absalom and Achitophel" and the hypothetical play "The Country Conundrum" in paragraph form:

"Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden is a renowned 17th-century political and satirical allegorical poem. It sets its stage in the historical context of 17th-century England and utilizes allegorical characters like King David (representing Charles II) and Achitophel (representing the Earl of Shaftesbury) to comment on issues of political power, loyalty, and leadership during a turbulent era. Dryden's poetic verses, rich in biblical allusions, create an intricate tapestry of satire that reflects the complex political landscape of his time.

In contrast, the hypothetical play "The Country Conundrum" is a satirical theatrical work set in a fictional country amidst political turmoil. Its characters, such as King Edmund, Lady Amelia, Lord William, and Sir Charles, symbolize political archetypes. The play explores themes akin to "Absalom and Achitophel," including political power, ambition, and loyalty, but within a fictional context. 

While both works employ satire to comment on the complexities of leadership, they differ in format and setting. "The Country Conundrum" takes the form of a play with dialogue and scenes, allowing for a distinct theatrical experience, while "Absalom and Achitophel" remains a poetic masterpiece entrenched in historical allegory.

Work Cited: 

Chatgpt.” ChatGPT, 23 Sept. 2023, openai.com/chatgpt.