Absalom and Achitophel

Absalom and Achitophel Father and Son As related to Absalom and Achitophel Absalom and Achitophel begins in the world of Old Testament history. The vague biblical past of the opening lines lets the narrative to be set from 2 Samuel in a wide historical frame that hopes to legitimize the king's promiscuity by associating the king as father of the land: In pious times, e'r priestcraft did begin, Before polygamy was made a sin; When one …

…David and God. Throughout the poem that relationship is reconfirmed by association, by direct assertion, and by the fallen characters' version of what is asserted to be the true order of things. Those reconfirmations of David's relationship with God - especially the increasing emphasis on David's kingly role - work to transform David from private father to public king. Once more the godlike David was restored, And willing nations knew their lawful lord. (l. 1030-31)