Absalom and Achitophel

by

John Dryden

Amiel Character Analysis

One of King David’s trusted and loyal men. Amiel is an important member of the Sanhedrin and helps to quell the uprising against David within the government. There are several Amiels in the Bible, so it is unclear which one Dryden is referring to here, but Amiel is thought to represent Edward Seymour, the speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament during Dryden’s time and a famous supporter of King Charles II and an opponent of the Exclusion Bill.
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Amiel Character Timeline in Absalom and Achitophel

The timeline below shows where the character Amiel appears in Absalom and Achitophel. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Absalom and Achitophel
Politics, Allegory, and Satire Theme Icon
...There is also Jotham and Hushai, whose allegiance to David is unwavering. Then there is Amiel, who is honorable even without his title. He has long since governed the Sanhedrin, directed... (full context)