Here's why:
* Satire: The poem uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize the political and religious climate of 17th century England. Dryden mocks specific individuals and their actions, using wit and sarcasm to highlight their flaws and hypocrisy.
* Allegory: The poem uses biblical characters and events as a thinly veiled representation of contemporary figures and situations.
* Absalom represents the Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of King Charles II, who was plotting a rebellion against the king.
* Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, a political opponent of Charles II.
* King David represents Charles II.
By using this allegorical framework, Dryden was able to criticize the political factions of his time without directly naming names, allowing him to avoid censorship and potentially dangerous accusations of sedition.
However, the poem also goes beyond mere political satire. Dryden explores broader themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the nature of power. He uses the biblical story to comment on the dangers of ambition and the importance of maintaining a stable political order.
Therefore, Absalom and Achitophel is a complex work that combines satirical wit with allegorical depth, making it both a powerful critique of the political climate of its time and a timeless exploration of human nature.