Critical Note

Achitophel devises his plan and sends Absalom out to the people to curry their favor and turn them against his father. He warns the young man of his uncle and tells him he must try for the crown while his father still lives. Achitophel begins to work within the populace, fomenting dissent and unrest. Absalom goes before the people and wins their love easily. His popularity and pomp distract from the plot at hand.