How did Absalom and Achitophel support Charles II during the Exclusion Crisis?
In his 1681 verse satire Absalom and Achitophel, John Dryden supported King Charles II during the Exclusion Crisis by using a biblical allegory to discredit the Whig opposition.12
The poem maps the political conflict onto the Old Testament story of King David, who represents Charles II, his rebellious son Absalom, representing the duke of Monmouth, and the manipulative Achitophel, representing the earl of Shaftesbury. By framing the Whig leaders as treacherous figures who misled the king's son into revolt, Dryden provided a powerful piece of pro-Tory propaganda.12
The work served the kingâs interests by:
* Dissecting Motives: Dryden offered a clear and persuasive analysis of the intriguers' motives, which helped preserve the position of the king's brother, James, duke of York, in the line of succession.1
* Ridicule: He utilized satirical portraits to mock Whig leaders, effectively turning public opinion against their efforts to exclude James based on his Roman Catholic faith.2
* Affirmation: The poem maintained a heroic tone that affirmed the legitimacy of the king and his ministers during a period of intense political instability.2