" Absolm and Achitophel."

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I am  Kavita Chauhan, Student In Department of English,mkbu.

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•Q- Can you find any political satire worth comparing with this (Absolm and Achitophel) poem written in contemporary times? If so, write about it. What sort of difference you see while comparing both political satires.

•Ans-

      

  • Introduction :-

 one contemporary political satire that can be compared to John Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel" is the television series "Veep." Created by Armando Iannucci and later led by showrunner David Mandel, "Veep" offers a satirical take on American politics and government. While "Absalom and Achitophel" is a 17th-century poem, and "Veep" is a 21st-century television series, there are several notable differences when comparing the two political satires:

      • Medium and Format:-

 "Absalom and Achitophel" is a long narrative poem, written in verse, with a focus on characters and their actions within the context of a biblical allegory.

"Veep" is a television series, a visual and dialogue-driven medium. It relies on humor through dialogue, situational comedy, and character interactions.

     • Setting and Context:-

"Absalom and Achitophel" is set in the biblical world of King David and Absalom, using allegorical references to 17th-century British politics, particularly the Exclusion Crisis.

"Veep" is set in contemporary America and follows the political career of Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president and later president. It satirizes modern American politics, including issues like campaign strategies, media coverage, and political backstabbing.

     • Characterization:-

In "Absalom and Achitophel," characters are symbolic and represent historical figures and political factions of the time. The focus is on their allegorical significance.

"Veep" features a diverse cast of characters with distinct personalities and flaws. The humor often arises from their individual quirks and the absurdity of their actions within the contemporary political landscape.

    • Tone and Style:-

"Absalom and Achitophel" has a more formal and poetic tone, using elaborate language and classical allusions.

"Veep" employs sharp, biting, and often profane humor. It leans into the contemporary, irreverent style of political satire, reflecting the cynicism of modern politics.

    • Themes:-

Both works address themes of political ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. However, "Absalom and Achitophel" does so within the framework of biblical allegory, while "Veep" tackles these themes directly in the context of contemporary American politics.

 

   •Audience and Accessibility:-

"Absalom and Achitophel" was written for a literate, educated audience of the 17th century, requiring knowledge of biblical and historical references.

Veep" is accessible to a broader, contemporary audience and doesn't rely on historical or religious knowledge.

   • In Sum up:- 

In sum up , while both "Absalom and Achitophel" and "Veep" engage in political satire, they do so in vastly different ways due to differences in medium, setting, characterization, tone, and accessibility. "Absalom and Achitophel" uses allegory and poetic language to address 17th-century British politics, while "Veep" employs contemporary, irreverent humor to satirize modern American politics. Each work reflects the unique characteristics and sensibilities of its respective time and medium. (Prepared by Chatgtp)

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