Fathers and Sons: The Normative Basis of Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel.

The article analyzes the poem "Absalom and Achitophel" by John Dryden. According to the author, Dryden uses the poem to place England's King Charles II as its central hero. Particular attention is given to the humanist ideas that influenced Dryden, as well as those of Greek philosopher Aristotle. Themes of disorder and imbalance, including sexual disorder, are also explored.