Achitophel and the Nightingale free essay sample

A comparative analysis of Drydens Achitophel and Keats nightingale. This paper compares Drydens Achitophel, from his much celebrated political allegory Absalom and Achitophel, with Keats nightingale, from the first of his famous May odes, Ode to a Nightingale. Several common characteristics, such as their profound psychological influence over others are outlined. In Drydens work, Achitophel, the symbolic representation of the Earl of Shaftesbury, gains the ear of Davids ambitious son Absalom (i.e., Charles IIs illegitimate progeny, the Duke of Monmouth). Achitophel encourages Absalom to believe that he could be and should be Davids rightful successor to the throne. Of course, for many in Drydens time, including Dryden himself, there remained the idea of the Divine Right of Kings, and it would therefore be the sole choice of a leader to choose his successor, no questions asked. Any attempt to manipulate or influence that process would be nothing short of high treason, hence the poem and its allegorical re-telling of the scandal that rocked the English government in 1680. We will write a custom essay sample on Achitophel and the Nightingale or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page