How does Achitophel convince Absalom to go against King in Absalom and Achitophel?

“Absalom and Achitophel” is one of the best works of John Dryden. It is also considered to be one of the best political satires of English literature. It is a long poem where the poet talked about the conflict between King Charles II and his illegitimate son James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth. In this poem, Dryden talked in favor of the King Charles II. Using the story of the Bible, the poet narrated his contemporary political situation of England. In this poem, Absalom represents the illegitimate child of King Charles II while Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, friend and loyal advisor of Absalom. King David actually represents King Charles II. The second wife of King Charles II could not give him any child and he had a number of mistresses who bore his illegitimate children. Of them, the Duke of Monmouth was his favorite.

Achitophel tried to provoke Absalom to go against King David. Then Absalom gives a long speech to Achitophel where he tells him that he is unable to rebel against King David for he is a generous king who loves his subjects. He never oppresses his subjects. He has been very kind to Absalom and provides assistance in his needs. King David fulfilled all the wishes of Absalom. Thus he does not want to go against the king. 

Upon hearing this, Achitophel presents different logic to convince Absalom to rebel against King David. First he uses the art of flattery. He falsely praises Absalom’s various qualities and tells him that he has all the abilities to become a king. In this manner, he first tries to flatter Absalom.

Achitophel also degrades King David by saying that he may be generous but not intelligent. He gives many things before his subjects ask for it which is not the quality of a good king. Overall, King David is not a worthy King. 

In this manner, Achitophel tries to convince Absalom that Absalom should be the King for the future welfare of the country. Absalom or the Duke of Monmouth has many qualities that cannot be found in King Charles II or King David and the King does not understand his subjects very well which is why he makes mistake in every step. This is why the country accumulated a huge debt and its future is at stake.

The worst thing about King David is that he chose James in place of Absalom. James’ biggest fault is that he is a Catholic Christian. It means that if James becomes the next king, Catholics will prosper and Protestants will suffer. It will not stop there, James hates Absalom and he would destroy Absalom at any cost after he would become the king.

Achitophel convinces Absalom that it is the best time to rebel against the King. If the Duke of Monmouth or Absalom does not take this opportunity then his own future will be at stake. If James becomes the next king then he will destroy Absalom at the first chance he would get. Moreover, today King David is favoring Absalom but that may change any moment. He is dominated by his mistresses. Thus he might change his mind about Absalom at any moment.

Achitophel also tells Absalom that many people do not like the king and they can create a big army with these people. Only Duke of Monmouth can unite this people and lead them against King Charles II. Duke of Monmouth is a popular person and many will join him if he calls them to take up arms against the King. 

Achitophel is also a man of great influence and he will also try to rally as many men as possible against the King. Achitophel also tells Absalom that many nobles are not happy with the King and his brother James. They are waiting for a good King and Duke of Monmouth is the best candidate at present in England.

In this manner, Achitophel convinces Absalom to go against the King. In reality, the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion against the King did not become successful.