Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel: An Analysis

Absalom and Achitophel is an epyllion, a ‘little epic’ containing satire and humorous element. An Occasional piece, Dryden raised the political satire from activist vehemence of a party pamphlet to epic grandeur. Dressing his satirical account, of the English political scene of the Restoration dispensation of King Charles II, in Biblical-allegorical mode, he makes a remarkable portrait gallery of the historical personages involved. A skillful use of Heroic line and couplet, an imaginative richness of metaphor and language mark his stylistic achievement. A blend of classical European literary traditions with the Old Testament-ecclesiastical manner, the inflexion of the colloquial too, enabled the Poet Laureate to speak home to his audience of Court, city and community. The epigrammatic wit, clarity, the Neo-classical poise and precision, resonates with modern poetry and popular contemporary Stand-up comedy.