Write
a short critical note on the use of the Bible in Absalom and Achitophel.
Dryden’s “Absalom and Achitophel” is famous for its biblical
context, although it is technically a political poem. More specifically, Dryden
uses biblical allegory and reference in order to make a statement about the
politics and politicians of his time (i.e Charles II). Because of the Bible’s
far reaching influence in the Christian European world, it was easy for poets
and writers like Dryden to use it in order to spread their political or social
ideals (Michael, 1996). The Bible set an easily recognizable and relatable
stage, and Dryden used this to his advantage in “Absalom and Achitophel.” From
the very opening passages of the poem we see allusions being made to God, Eden,
and Israel.
The opening passages of this epic poem set David, the king, at a
God-like state, saying “Then Israel’s monarch after Heaven’s own heart,/ His
vigorous warmth did variously impart/ To wives and slaves; and, wide as his
command,/ Scattered his Maker’s image through the land” (Dryden, 2004, 7-10).
This passage relates David to God in the way that he is able to create life.
Just as God created life in Eden with Adam and Eve, David created life in
Israel through polygamy. Although this may sound extravagant to the modern
reader, one must pull from this relationship the irony in it as well. David is
meant to be seen as high up and God-like, but not God himself. His actions are
not without flaw, and this becomes clearer as the poem continues. At the
beginning of the poem, this realization that David is not a God himself is
still blurred, especially with the introduction of Absalom, his son.
In the relationship between Absalom and David we see one of the
clearest and most blatant forms of biblical imagery. In David’s creation of
Absalom his is immensely proud. He is described as a doting father, indulgent;
which shows a pride in his creation that is rivaled by the connection between
God and Adam in the Bible. Dryden seems to use biblical references to draw
these comparisons between David and God, and Absalom and Adam often. This same
comparison can even be seen in the way in which David provides for his son.
David gives Absalom everything, even an Eve (i.e. Anabel), the poem states “To
all his wishes nothing he denied;/ And made the charming Annabel his bride”
(Dryden, 2004, 33-34). Yet, in David’s indulgence we begin to see a flaw. As in
the Garden of Eden, or Adam character (Absalom) is tempted, and David who sees
only the good and precious in his son Absalom misses this temptation. Thus
enters the second largest biblical image in “Absalom and Achitophel,” the image
of the Serpent, Satan....................................................................
Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.