1. John Dryden

Who was John Dryden?

John Dryden was a Restoration poet, playwright, critic, and political writer. He became one of the central literary figures of late 17th-century England.

Give an example of Dryden as a poet.

As a poet, Dryden wrote Annus Mirabilis and Absalom and Achitophel.

Give an example of Dryden as a playwright.

As a playwright, Dryden wrote All for Love, a neoclassical tragedy based on Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.

Give an example of Dryden as a critic.

As a critic, Dryden wrote An Essay of Dramatic Poesie, an important work of literary criticism.

What was Dryden’s role as Poet Laureate?

Dryden was appointed Poet Laureate in 1668 under Charles II. He wrote public poetry that supported and legitimised the restored Stuart monarchy.

Why was Dryden’s role as Poet Laureate political?

His poetry helped turn royal events, state victories, and political conflicts into official literary statements supporting the monarchy.

What is Absalom and Achitophel?

Absalom and Achitophel is an allegorical political satire written in heroic couplets.

What political event does Absalom and Achitophel refer to?

It refers to the Exclusion Crisis, when Whig politicians tried to exclude Charles II’s Catholic brother James from the throne.

How does Absalom and Achitophel use the Bible?

Dryden uses the Old Testament story of King David and Absalom as an allegory for contemporary English politics.

Who does King David represent in Absalom and Achitophel?

King David represents King Charles II, the rightful monarch.

Who does Absalom represent in Absalom and Achitophel?

Absalom represents James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, Charles II’s illegitimate Protestant son.

Who does Achitophel represent in Absalom and Achitophel?

Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, the Whig politician who encouraged opposition to the king.

Why is the biblical intertext important in Absalom and Achitophel?

It allows Dryden to present political rebellion as rebellion against divine and royal order.

What verse form does Dryden use in Absalom and Achitophel?

Dryden uses heroic couplets: pairs of rhymed iambic pentameter lines.