ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL

           This blog task was assigned by Sir Barad. I made every effort to provide answer to the question to the best of my ability.

            To start, I'd like to offer a brief introduction to the poet John Dryden, who authored the poem.

∆ John Dryden:-

            John Dryden (1631-1700) was a renowned English poet, playwright, and critic of the 17th century. He wrote influential poetry, including "Absalom and Achitophel," and notable plays like "All for Love." As the first Poet Laureate of England, his literary contributions and political influence left a lasting mark on English literature during a tumultuous period in history. 

∆ In Absalom and Achitophel write theme of your choice. Write 'quotes from the poem' in support of the theme you are writing about.

Ans-

           One of the major significant theme in "Absalom and Achitophel" is the theme of Political Satire. This theme involves the use of humor, irony, and wit to criticize and mock the political figures and events of the time.

* Political Satire:

           Throughout the poem, Dryden employs sharp satire to satirize the political landscape of late 17th-century England. He uses allegorical characters and situations to thinly veil the identities of real political figures and events, providing a commentary on the power struggles and controversies of the era.

          The theme of Political Satire in the poem allows Dryden to both entertain and inform his readers about the follies and vices of the political class. Through clever wordplay and caricatures, he exposes the flaws, ambitions, and intrigues of those in power.

          Ultimately, "Absalom and Achitophel" serves as a satirical mirror reflecting the political turmoil of its time, using humor and satire to critique the actions and characters of the period.

* Some quotes from the theme of Political Satire:

           Here are some quotes from "Absalom and Achitophel" that support the theme of Political Satire:

1. "Sedition's crime, that had it been foreknown, / Wit ne'er had ventured, nor had tradesmen blown." - This line suggests that political satire often involves risky and seditious content that would not be tolerated if it were anticipated.

2. "So many cheats are which the wise endure, / To sap the credit, and to shame the cure." - This passage highlights the satirical critique of deceit and manipulation within the political realm.

3. "With women, wine, and mirth, regales his heart; / Yet, oft, in such recesses, plays the part / Of Mars; and, in the midst of all his game, / Calls faction, fury, and revenge by name." - Dryden satirically portrays the indulgent and hypocritical nature of certain political figures.

4. "Some of their chiefs were princes of the land: / In the first rank of these did Zimri stand." - Zimri is a satirical character representing the Duke of Buckingham, a prominent political figure of the time, emphasizing the use of satire to criticize real individuals.

           These quotes illustrate how Dryden uses satire to lampoon and criticize the political figures and events of his era while providing a humorous and critical commentary on the political landscape of late 17th-century England.