Hello to all,
This blog task is a part of our thinking activity of John Dryden's political satire poem "Absalom and Achitophel". In this blog we will prompt ChatGPT to generate critique answer.
Q - Comment upon the beginning of the poem. Prompt ChatGPT or Bard by giving lines from the beginning of the poem and ask to make a 'critique' of the same.
Ans
My Interpretation
Here, are first few lines from the poem Absalom and Achitophel.
In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin,
Before polygamy was made a sin;
When man, on many, multipli'd his kind,
Ere one to one was cursedly confin'd:
When Nature prompted, and no Law deni'd
Promiscuous use of concubine and bride;
This opening lines are very interesting as it first comments upon the times when polygamy was not considered as a sin. Dryden here says "in pious time" mean in sacred times when priest craft and all ecclesiastical things were just begin, polygamy was very common in kingship. Kings were allowed to have more than one wife and mistress. We can see the irony here that, it is a sacred time yet polygamy is not a sin which is now consider as illegal offence. If we look at this lines through the womans lens then it is not at all sacred time for them. Polygamy may be considered good for men but certainly not good for women.
Then, Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart,
His vigorous warmth did variously impart
To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command,
Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land.
Michal, of royal blood, the crown did wear;
A soil ungrateful to the tiller's care:
In these lines Dryden finally addresses Israel's monarch king Davin (Charles -2) and praises him by saying heaven's own heart, that he is kind and merciful king. Dryden also talked about polygamy of king David that his "vigorous warmth did variously impart -- wide as his command", but Dryden defends the king's licentiousness by blaming his wife Mikhal, that she is infertile -- " A soil ungrateful " . Upon which a tiller means farmer (King David) cannot harvest grains.
Critique Prompted by ChatGPT
In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin,
Before polygamy was made a sin;
When man, on many, multipli'd his kind,
Ere one to one was cursedly confin'd:
When Nature prompted, and no Law deni'd
Promiscuous use of concubine and bride;
In these lines, the speaker reflects on a time in the past when societal norms and moral standards were different. Here's a critique of these lines:
Contextual Understanding:
These lines should be understood in the context of the poem, which is a satirical work that mocks the triviality of aristocratic society in the 18th century. The speaker is not making a serious argument but rather using humor to critique the norms and values of the time.
Ironic Tone:
The use of phrases like "pious times" and "before priest-craft did begin" sets an ironic tone. The speaker is highlighting the absurdity of the past when polygamy was acceptable, and promiscuity was not condemned by society.
Critique of Morality:
The lines critique the hypocrisy of society's changing moral standards. The speaker suggests that in the past, people freely engaged in polygamous relationships and concubinage, which were later condemned as sins. This criticism points to the arbitrariness of societal judgments on morality.
Satirical Commentry:
These lines are part of Pope's larger satirical commentary on the frivolous concerns of the aristocracy. He uses the idea of a stolen lock of hair as a symbol of the absurdity of their values and the triviality of their conflicts.
Rhyming Couplets:
Pope employs rhyming couplets, a common feature in his poetry, to create a rhythmic and satirical effect. The rhyme scheme (AA, BB, CC, etc.) contributes to the poem's light and playful tone.
Social Critique:
Overall, these lines serve as a vehicle for Pope to critique the society of his time, highlighting how values and moral judgments can change over time and be influenced by social norms and expectations.
In summary, these lines from "The Rape of the Lock" are part of a satirical commentary on the shifting moral standards of 18th-century aristocratic society. They use humor and irony to critique the arbitrary nature of societal judgments on morality and relationships.
Then, Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart,
His vigorous warmth did variously impart
To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command,
Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land.
Michal, of royal blood, the crown did wear;
A soil ungrateful to the tiller's care:
the speaker is satirically describing the behavior of Israel's monarch, King David. Here's a critique of these lines:
Contextual Understanding:
In these lines, the speaker is referencing the biblical figure King David, who was known for his multiple wives and concubines. The speaker is making a satirical comment on King David's prolific romantic life.
Satirical Tone:
As with much of "The Rape of the Lock," these lines employ a satirical tone. The speaker is using humor and exaggeration to poke fun at the behavior of historical figures like King David.
Exaggeration:
The lines emphasize the prolific nature of King David's romantic relationships by stating that he "scatter'd his Maker's image through the land." This is an exaggeration meant to highlight the absurdity of the situation.
Social Commentary:
Pope uses these lines to comment on the extravagance and moral laxity of the aristocracy of his own time. By comparing King David's behavior to the social norms of Pope's era, he critiques the frivolous values of 18th-century society.
Historical and Biblical Allusion:
The reference to Michal wearing the crown is a biblical allusion. Michal was King David's wife and the daughter of King Saul. Her role in the biblical narrative adds depth to the satirical commentary.
Commentry on Power and Privilege:
The lines indirectly comment on how those in positions of power and privilege often have the freedom to behave in ways that would be unacceptable for others. King David's behavior is framed as a consequence of his royal status.
In summary, these lines from "The Rape of the Lock" use satire and exaggeration to comment on the behavior of historical figures like King David and draw parallels with the values and behavior of the 18th-century aristocracy. They serve as a vehicle for Pope's social critique and satirical commentary on the society of his time.(ChatGPT)
.jpg)
.png)