Absalom and achitophel conclusion

This enables the poet to skilfully explore the progression of humanity over time and to consider universal themes such as morality and humanity, making sweeping statements about human nature. It also allows the poet to focus in detail on the distinct characters. The poem is composed in iambic pentameter, where there are five iambs an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable per line.

Metaphor: 1. Simile: 1. David refers to his petitioners as "unsatiate as the barren womb or grave" These give the poem a sense of grandeur which is fitting for its biblical overtones and evokes the conventions of epic meter.

Absalom and achitophel theme

The poem is predominantly a political satire that explores the conflict between Catholics and Protestants during the rule of King Charles. It also shares many features with Religious Poetry due to its biblical allusions. The poem is set in King David's Israel, but it is meant to be a commentary on England in the seventeenth century.

The tone is predominantly serious and philosophical as it explores grim aspects of human nature, such as hypocrisy, vengeance, and rebellion. Achitophel is the antagonist who acts against King David. Absalom is the protagonist; Achitophel attempts to persuade him to usurp David.

Absalom and achitophel summary line by line

The main conflict comes from Achitophel tempting Absalom to overthrow David. Achitophel claims that King David is weak in his old age, that Absalom would be a mighty ruler, and that even David would be happy to see Absalom on the throne. Absalom becomes angry at his parents for conceiving him outside marriage: as an illegitimate child, he cannot be heir to the throne.

Absalom considers this a great injustice and is strongly tempted to turn against David.