Who does Achitophel represent in John Dryden's allegorical poem Absalom and Achitophel?

Correct option is A

Explanation:

In John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel,  Achitophel is an allegorical representation of Anthony Ashley Cooper, the First Earl of Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury was a prominent politician who opposed King Charles II and was instrumental in the Exclusion Crisis, attempting to bar the Duke of York (a Catholic) from the line of succession. Achitophel, like the Biblical character, is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative figure influencing Absalom (symbolizing the Duke of Monmouth) to rebel against King David (symbolizing Charles II).

Information Booster:

Political Allegory: The poem uses Biblical characters and events to comment on the political turmoil in 17th-century England, particularly the Exclusion Crisis.
Achitophel's Role: Achitophel is depicted as a persuasive yet treacherous counselor who seeks to destabilize the monarchy. His Biblical counterpart, Achitophel, conspired against King David with Absalom.
Dryden’s Royalism: Dryden’s portrayal reflects his support for King Charles II and criticism of those who sought to challenge the divine right of kings.
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Additional Knowledge:
The Duke of Monmouth (Absalom): Monmouth was Charles II’s illegitimate son, depicted as a flawed but charismatic character.
The Duke of York (Not Achitophel): The Duke of York (later James II) is represented in the poem as the rightful heir, not a conspirator.
Duke of Buckingham (Zimri): In the poem, the Duke of Buckingham is portrayed as Zimri, a reckless and incompetent nobleman.
Significance of Shaftesbury: As Achitophel, Shaftesbury’s political ambitions and role in the Exclusion Crisis are critiqued through Dryden's masterful satirical lens.