Absalom and Achitophel

John Dryden indeed!

His works are often regarded as significant in the history of English literature. However, this particular poem of his that I have just read is truly the most unexciting one I've ever come across.

The language seems rather平淡 and lacks the vivid imagery and emotional depth that one would expect from a great poet.

The rhythm is monotonous, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout the reading.

Perhaps it is a case of personal taste, but compared to other works I've read, this poem simply fails to engage me.

It makes me wonder if Dryden was having an off day when he wrote this or if there are other aspects of his poetry that I have yet to discover and appreciate.

Nonetheless, based on this one experience, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed.

I definitely enjoyed it much more than I initially thought I would. The poem delves into Restoration politics by means of Biblical allusions. It is essential to have knowledge of both in order to place the poem in its proper context. If you are planning to study Dryden, whether out of personal interest or for a class, I highly recommend that you read Mac Flecknoe first. I discovered that Mac Fleknoe is more accessible compared to Absalom and Achitophel. However, the latter appears to be more representative of Dryden as a poet and satirist.

Mac Flecknoe offers a unique perspective on Dryden's work. It presents a different style and approach, which can be both engaging and enlightening. By reading it first, you can gain a better understanding of Dryden's literary techniques and his ability to create vivid and memorable characters. On the other hand, Absalom and Achitophel is a more complex and profound work. It showcases Dryden's mastery of satire and his ability to comment on political and social issues of his time.

Overall, both poems are valuable contributions to the literary canon. They offer insights into Dryden's mind and his view of the world. Whether you choose to read Mac Flecknoe first or Absalom and Achitophel, you are sure to be captivated by Dryden's才华 and his ability to tell a story through poetry.

Admittedly, this is a hard read. By hard, I truly mean it can be somewhat tedious and confusing for the modern reader, especially without the necessary notes or historical background.

However, I was shocked by all these predominantly negative reviews. This is a classic, for crying out loud! It is one of Dryden's masterpieces and one of the most relevant and controversial works of eighteenth-century poetry in England. The historical implications are astronomical. Its biblical allusions are merely a disguise for its bold political statements. In many ways, it was prophetic, and in many others, revolutionary.

This, I believe, could only have been achieved by a third-party poet in those 'tumultuous' times through satire and anonymity, something which Dryden has single-handedly proved, but for once through poetry and not by bloody violence.

For any believing Christian, 'Absalom and Achitophel' is interesting in the way that these events from the Ancient Testament were similar, if not identical, to the history of the restoration and all the rebellions and characters and so on. I mean it is not just mysteriously strange but prophetic. Who says history does not repeat itself, eh? Consider that there is a difference of some years between David and Charles the Second...

However, you do not have to be a believer to appreciate this masterpiece. From a literary, political, and historical perspective, it is also of profound interest. Although the comparison between Absalom and the Duke of Monmouth and between Achitophel and the Earl of Shaftesbury was not entirely original, Dryden's style is, without a doubt, superior and more in-depth and provoking. He goes beyond these two such comparisons, to the extent of comparing the people's dissatisfaction with their 'God Given and State Protected Freedom', which even nowadays is grossly underappreciated, with "Adam Wits". Outstanding, pure class.

Of course, I have not rewarded 'Absalom and Achitophel' with the expected 5/5, especially after all my praise (which is by no means adequate, I must humbly admit). However, I have considered that, despite all its Biblical allusions and political statements, it is to some extent tedious to the general reader, as is pointed out in all its reviews on Goodreads.

Long live King David!

King David is a remarkable figure in history. He is known for his great leadership and many heroic deeds.

David's reign was a time of prosperity and growth for his kingdom. He was a warrior who fought bravely against his enemies, protecting his people and their land.

Not only was he a skilled fighter, but he was also a talented poet and musician. His psalms are still widely read and cherished today.

David's story is one of faith, courage, and perseverance. He faced many challenges and difficulties in his life, but he always remained true to his beliefs and to God.

Long live King David, a true legend and an inspiration to us all!

(With that he wiped his eyes)

This simple action described in line 717 had a profound impact on me. It made me experience a strange mix of emotions, crying and laughing at the same time. The sight of him wiping his eyes could have been a moment of vulnerability, perhaps a release of pent-up emotions. It touched a chord within me, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding.

On one hand, it made me want to cry because it reminded me of the times when I myself have faced similar situations, where emotions overwhelmed me. It was a reminder that we are all human, and we all have our moments of weakness.

On the other hand, it also made me laugh. There was something almost comical about the suddenness of his action and the unexpected way it made me feel. It was as if a light had been shone on a situation that I had been taking too seriously, and it made me see the absurdity of it all.

Overall, line 717 will always stay with me as a powerful and memorable moment that captured the complexity of human emotions.

John Dryden’s Absolom and Achitophel is a remarkable 1681 political poem. It delves into the attempted coup on Charles II by his son, The Duke of Monmouth. Dryden, with his sharp satirical wit, presents the Biblical story of David and Absolom in a way that was a very thinly veiled reference to the current king and son for the readers of his time.

Even when we discount the historical and political nature of the poem, Dryden emerges as an insightful poet. Many of his observances hold true, even in a world where the divine rights of kings have all but vanished.

He skillfully dissects Zimri, a follower of Absolom. I have no doubt that the gentry of England were all laughing and identifying his counterpart. The description of Zimri is vivid: “Some of their chiefs were princes of the land: In the first rank of these did Zimri stand: A man so various, that he seem'd to be Not one, but all Mankind's Epitome. Stiff in opinions, always in the wrong; Was everything by starts, and nothing long: But in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon: Then all for women, painting, rhyming, drinking; Besides ten thousand freaks that died in thinking. Blest madman, who could every hour employ, With something new to wish, or to enjoy!”

I can definitely recognize the validity of these observances in today’s world. The lines “But far more numerous was the herd of such, Who think too little, and who talk too much. So over violent, or over civil, That every man, with him, was god or devil. For who can be secure of private right, If sovereign sway may be dissolv'd by might? Nor is the people's judgment always true: The most may err as grossly as the few” still ring true.

I remembered enjoying studying Dryden in college and was delighted to find him both easy, fun and interesting to me now. I was happy to still have my notes penciled in the margins of the poem, a memory of a favorite teacher and a long-lost time.

This poem not only provides a window into the political and social context of its time but also offers timeless insights into human nature and behavior. It is a testament to Dryden’s literary genius and continues to be relevant and engaging for readers today.

Surprisingly, it is quite a simple read for England's poet laureate.

One might expect the works of such a distinguished literary figure to be filled with complex language and profound meanings that require great effort to understand. However, this particular piece defies those expectations.

The simplicity of the read could potentially have several interpretations. It might suggest that the poet laureate is able to convey powerful emotions and ideas in a straightforward manner, reaching a wider audience.

On the other hand, it could also be a deliberate choice to break away from the traditional norms of poetry and explore a different style.

Regardless of the reason, this simple read offers a refreshing perspective and shows that even the most renowned poets can surprise us with their versatility.

It makes one wonder what other unexpected works the poet laureate has in store for us in the future.

This text serves as a prime illustration of archaic writing. It is marred by its use of obscure references to individuals and locations, which are stand-ins for his contemporaries. These references hold little or no significance for the modern reader.

Furthermore, it is mired in blatantly antisemitic/monotheistic rhetoric, making it seem more like a diatribe that is deliberately antagonistic and intolerant.

Moreover, the narrative of the poem is overshadowed by character portraiture. More than half of the poem is composed of descriptions of a person or group of people, one after another. However, since these characters represent his contemporaries, they have very little relevance in the modern era. They function more as inside jokes among peers rather than as serious literature.

Even the rhymes come across as dry and unappealing. While reading this, I never once experienced the spark of emotional fervor or the hint of philosophical profundity that I had anticipated.