Kent-Drury
English 422 Study Questions:  Dryden's Absalom & Achitophel

1. In the 18th century, poetry was often used to instruct, to make public statements on behalf of a cause, and to connect 18th century historical moments with other historical moments and peoples. Describe how A&A reflects this philosophy.
2. Before you read A&A, print out the "roadmap to A&A" located at http://www.nku.edu/%7Erkdrury/422/AAHighlights.pdf. Use this as you read to help you figure out what is going on. You might also find labeling the characters useful.
3. Read II Samuel in the King James Version of the Bible (if you don't have a KJV, go to the Bible Gateway website at http://bible.gospelcom.net/ to read it (especially chapters 13-19). What parallels do you see between the story in II Samuel and that of A&A? Who are the various characters in this allegory?
4. Try to sum up the points of Absalom's and Achitophel's speeches in a few sentences each (you might write them in the margins of the poem).  What are their main lines of argument?  How do they rationalize their rebellion?  How do we know to mistrust their conclusions?
5. Ll. 759-810 sum up Dryden's thoughts on government.  What points does he make?
6. Many genres have been noted in A&A-- satire, miniature epic, political & historical poetry.  What elements of each genre do you notice? (refer to your definition of "epic" from the PL study questions) (satire=the literary art of diminishing through ridicule)
7. In Dryden's preface to the poem, he says that "the true end of satire is the amendment of vices by correction." What vices is Dryden trying to correct?
8. What is the poetic form used by Dryden in A&A?
9. Dryden alludes to many other texts in his poem, including PL. What strategies and elements does Dryden borrow from Milton?