Absalom and Achitophel

John Dryden : 

After John Donne and John Milton, John Dryden was the greatest English poet of the 17th century.John Dryden (19 August 1631 — 12 May 1700) was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright

Absalom and achitophel 

Absalom and Achitophel is "generally acknowledged as the finest political satire in the English language". It is also described as an allegory regarding contemporary political events, and a mock heroic narrative. In the preface to “Absalom and Achitophel,” John Dryden claims he is merely a historian, but had he originally created the biblical story.

Absalom

David’s illegitimate son and the protagonist of “Absalom and Achitophel.” David does not have any legitimate heirs to the throne, but Absalom is his favorite child. Absalom is handsome and ambitious.

Achitophel

A deceitful counselor to King David and the antagonist of “Absalom and Achitophel.” Of all the men who oppose David within the government, Achitophel is the most influential. He is smart, ambitious, and morally flexible.

David

The third king of Israel. David is a merciful and kind king who does not have a male heir to inherit the throne. 

Saul

The first king of Israel. According to Dryden, God was the first king of Israel, but the Jews, who are “moody” and frequently unhappy with their king, oust God and make Saul their king

David’s Brother

The heir presumptive of Israel. David’s brother never actually makes it into the poem, but Achitophel and Absalom refer to him multiple times. The crown will go to David’s brother after David dies.

Significance of the Poem 

The poem tells the Biblical tale of the rebellion of Absalom against King David; in this context it is an allegory used to represent a story contemporary to Dryden, concerning King Charles II.