Absalom and Achitophel

Absalom and Achitophel – The poem is a defense of King Charles II (represented by King David) and the lawful line of succession against the Whig party, led by the Earl of Shaftesbury (represented by Achitophel), who sought to prevent Charles’ Catholic brother, James, Duke of York, from taking the throne. The Whigs favored the King’s illegitimate Protestant son, the Duke of Monmouth (Absalom), as the next king. The poem ends abruptly after David’s speech, with a final assurance from the narrator that God consents to David’s authority, implying that the King’s rule and the legitimate succession will be restored and the rebellion will fail.