Absalom and Achitophel is a highly renowned satirical poem penned by John Dryden. It is composed in heroic couplets and was first made public in 1681.

The poem narrates the Biblical account of the rebellion of Absalom against King David. However, in this particular context, it serves as an allegory to depict a story that was contemporary to Dryden. It is related to King Charles II.

John Dryden skillfully weaves together the ancient Biblical narrative with the events and figures of his own time. Through this allegory, he offers a scathing critique of the political and social situation during the reign of King Charles II.

The use of heroic couplets gives the poem a rhythm and elegance, enhancing its literary value. The characters in the poem are vividly portrayed, making it a captivating read.

Absalom and Achitophel remains an important work of literature, not only for its literary merit but also for the insights it provides into the political and social climate of the late 17th century.

Dryden, a worthy poet, is reluctant to accept.

He claims to have metrical knowledge and quantitative knowledge, meaning that in his era, writing poetry like today or like in the past one and a half centuries was not common. Therefore, was there really a need for anything other than the contemporary knowledge of meter and quantitative perception? These are not very costly either, there are matters of discussion and matters of practice. Besides, reading this book is a pleasure. Here, behind the poetry, the poet is telling the story of how after the death of Charles Cromwell II, the grandson of that James, when he returned to the throne, his son Monmouth rebelled against him, and through presenting a story from the Bible, the poet never mentions the name of anyone in this era (the era of the author, before our current era).

Perhaps Dryden will remain in the background in this regard. His book is highly poetic in many ways, but the subject matter does not find a place in my heart. Although it has historical significance, like any other name that could have been emphasized, Charles II does not impress me that much. On the other hand, if I were to say the opposite, Marlowe's Tamburlaine is not Timur Lenk, it is Marlowe's Tamburlaine, and I learn to engage with it, learn to lean towards it while reading, but in the end, this book is just a witness of an era, nothing more. A popular critic once said that it was the pinnacle of pure poetry, elsewhere the same critic said about another book that it cannot survive just by being grotesque, that other book will not survive, and I am amazed to see that the grotesque book has survived, and this beautiful poetic work has become increasingly difficult to find day by day.

Perhaps, if this book becomes a little more grotesque -

Certainly not all of it is like that. There are some very beautiful poems, with thousands of lines, like the skillful work of a jeweler in his heart.

I read the story, but I'm still not entirely sure what actually took place! There was a supposed plot that seemed to be unfolding, with all the details and events being described as "blah blah blah." However, when it came down to it, nothing of real significance seemed to have happened.

I found myself wondering if perhaps someone had died during the course of the story. But as I racked my brain, I couldn't recall any specific mention of a death.

Maybe I missed something crucial along the way? Could there have been some hidden meaning or subplot that I failed to pick up on? I'm left with a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction, as if the story didn't quite deliver what it promised.

I guess I'll have to go back and read it again more carefully, hoping to uncover the missing pieces of the puzzle and finally understand what really happened.

For those of you who are truly immersed in the 17th-century English politics of the Restoration period, here is a remarkable dramatic poem a la clef.

This poem has been expertly crafted by one of the finest English poets of all time, excluding only Shakespeare and Milton.

The Restoration period was a time of great upheaval and change in English politics, and this poem captures the essence of that era with remarkable skill and insight.

The poet uses the form of a dramatic poem to bring to life the characters and events of the time, creating a vivid and engaging portrait of a bygone era.

Whether you are a history buff or simply a lover of great poetry, this work is sure to captivate and delight you.

So sit back, relax, and let the words of this master poet transport you to a world of intrigue, drama, and political upheaval.

I vividly remember that I once studied this particular poem. At that time, I found it extremely long and overly complicated. It seemed to be a maze of words and meanings that was difficult for me to navigate. The numerous stanzas and the complex language used made it a real challenge for me to understand and appreciate. As a result, I didn't have a great liking for it. In fact, I often felt a sense of frustration whenever I had to deal with it. However, looking back now, I realize that perhaps I didn't give it enough time and effort to truly understand its beauty and depth. Maybe if I were to study it again with a more open mind and a greater willingness to explore, I might have a different perspective on it.

Brilliant political allegory!

It is a work filled with witty satire that is artfully laced with both manipulated and authentic biblical imagery. One surely has to read it twice to fully grasp its depth and meaning. The political upheaval of that era presented Dryden with a golden opportunity to showcase his remarkable literary talent. With this stroke of genius, he managed to change the way people perceived him. No longer is he remembered merely as a dramatist, but rather as a true man of verses. His work in this regard has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, captivating readers and scholars alike for generations to come.

It is a testament to his skill and creativity that his political allegory continues to be relevant and studied today.

David really said, "You better watch yourself."

This simple statement holds a certain weight and warning. It implies that there may be potential dangers or consequences that the person being addressed should be aware of.

Maybe David has noticed something that others haven't, or perhaps he has some inside information that makes him issue this caution.

It could be related to a particular situation, such as a conflict at work or a personal relationship.

Regardless of the context, David's words carry an air of seriousness.

They suggest that the person needs to be more vigilant and careful in their actions and decisions.

It serves as a reminder that one should always be aware of their surroundings and the potential implications of their behavior.

Whether or not the person heeds David's advice remains to be seen, but the fact that he said it indicates that there is something worth paying attention to.

This is a relatively quick read that features an interesting plot line.

The language used in this work is very antiquated, which is to be expected when reading a 400-year-old book.

The archaic words and phrases add a certain charm and authenticity to the reading experience, transporting the reader back in time to the era in which the book was written.

Despite the challenges posed by the old-fashioned language, the engaging plot keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

It's fascinating to see how the story unfolds and how the characters interact in a world that is so different from our own.

Overall, this book offers a unique and enjoyable reading experience that combines an interesting plot with the historical context provided by its antiquated language.

It's a must-read for anyone interested in history, literature, or simply a good story.

Heavily footnoted and analogous, but expertly crafted.

This description implies a work that is not only well-researched, as evidenced by the numerous footnotes, but also draws appropriate comparisons and analogies. The use of these literary devices enriches the content and helps the reader better understand the subject matter.

Moreover, the fact that it is expertly crafted suggests a high level of skill and attention to detail in its creation. The author has likely spent a great deal of time and effort ensuring that the text is clear, concise, and engaging.

Overall, this work appears to be a valuable contribution to its field, offering both depth and breadth of knowledge. It is the kind of work that scholars and enthusiasts alike will appreciate for its thoroughness and craftsmanship.

Whether it is a research paper, a book, or an article, the combination of heavy footnoting, analogous examples, and expert craftsmanship makes it a standout piece that is sure to have a lasting impact.

An interesting commentary on the monarchy of that era, as observed through a Biblical context, offers a unique perspective. It delves into the institution of monarchy, perhaps exploring its parallels and divergences from the teachings and examples found in the Bible. While it may not possess the same level of entertainment value as MacFlecknoe, it has its own charm. What sets it apart is its lack of subjectivity and satire. Instead, it presents a more objective analysis, aiming to understand the monarchy in a deeper and more meaningful way. By looking at it through the lens of the Bible, it may offer insights into the values and principles that should underlie a just and effective monarchy. This type of commentary can contribute to a more informed and thoughtful discussion about the role and significance of monarchy in society.

I am nowhere near sufficiently well read in poetry to use the term "neglected classic" here. However, I am truly surprised at how low Dryden's stock seems to be valued on Goodreads and among critics in general. In fact, it seems so out of proportion to the obvious quality of this work that I've come up with a theory here.

When Dryden was writing, poetry was used in a very different way than it is today. Satire, political commentary, and witty epigrams were the emphasis. In contrast, modern poetry, to paint with too broad a brush to be sure, is much more about internal emotional states or depictions of the natural world. For example, it might be something like: "O the birds and the trees and the winds and the flowers, how pretty are they and then I have a bunch of feelings blah blah blah." Granted, it's usually a little better than that.
Dryden is going for something entirely different. He offers insightful comments on political theories and historical drifts. For instance: "They led their wild desires to woods and caves, And thought that all but savages were slaves." Or: "And David's mildness managed it so well, The bad found no occasion to rebel. But when to sin our biased nature leans, The careful devil is still at hands with means."
Augustan poets like Dryden were ironic and looking for pithy insights into great events and human nature. Consider this example: "Plots, true or false, are necessary things, To raise up commonwealths and ruin kings." The particular event being chronicled is ostensibly King David of Israel dealing with the rebellion of his illegitimate but much loved son Absalom, who has been led astray by the sith-lord advisor Achitophel. However, it's actually about Charles II, the king of England at the time (1681), and his son the Duke of Monmouth, who had been similarly led astray by the Earl of Shaftesbury. (Yes, you will need an edition with good footnotes.)
Achitophel is brilliant and mad with ambition. He is full of plots within plots and incredibly cunning and persuasive. But he is also playing a game of his own. Monmouth/Absalon is of low birth on his mother's side and thus would be insecure in his kingship should he attain it.
Dryden captures the ideas and controversies of the time in this epic poem through allegory, satire, and wit. He really puts you in the whirl of conflicting passions and ideologies of post-Restoration England. So why is it so unappreciated? Here comes that aforementioned theory.
People who self-select as "liking poetry" in the modern context are generally looking for something quite different than what Dryden is offering. Poetry changed entirely with the Romantics like Keats and Byron, and that's the school modern poetry readers are in or closer to. So who would like this poem? The kind of person who is interested in history and political theory, the kind who thinks Richard III or Julius Caesar are more interesting plays than The Tempest or Much Ado About Nothing, and probably the sort who would rather read a good biography of Andrew Jackson than Whitman's Song of Myself. And these are not the sort who will typically pick up a really long poem to read. Which is too bad, because they are really the ones who would enjoy this the most!

The English Parnassus: An Anthology Chiefly of Longer Poems is a remarkable collection.

It offers a diverse range of longer poems that showcase the richness and depth of the English literary tradition.

Compiled by William Macneile Dixon, this anthology serves as a valuable resource for poetry enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The selection of poems within its pages spans different eras and styles, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolution of English poetry.

From the classic works of renowned poets to lesser-known gems, The English Parnassus offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and power of longer poems.

Whether you are a lover of traditional verse or interested in more contemporary forms, this anthology has something to offer.

It invites readers to embark on a journey through the world of English poetry and discover the hidden treasures that lie within.

The English Parnassus: An Anthology Chiefly of Longer Poems is a must-have for anyone with a passion for poetry.