Absolutism VS Republicanism
The main theme of the poem is found in the narrator's strong stance against the weakening of the absolute ruler's powers. The antagonists described in the poem pursue the strengthening of the power of the people. In this historical conflict that reshaped English rule over the time of centuries, each individual was asked to take a stance. Dryden was a strong follower of the absolute power of the rightful king, a stance that is reiterated multiple times in the poem. The poem uses highly negative language to describe the other ideology that leaves little doubt as to the level of emotion and strong conviction involved in this topic.
Historical/Geographical Symbolism
The author uses historical and geographical comparisons to give his points further gravitas. For example, the comparison of London with the river Nile as the life-source of ancient Egypt heightens the emotional value of the topic. Additionally these symbols can be seen as increasing the relevance of the conflict, pushing it past the boundaries of Britain into the wider world and the past. Dryden uses these examples to show Britain's exceptional state in the world and why republicanism cannot work within it's borders.
Mythological Symbolism
Throughout the poem, Dryden uses mythological comparisons either explicitly or purely metaphorically. It can be expected that these stories are known by the educated reader of Dryden in his time, therefore evoking some additional emotional connotation to the topic. Greek myths are full of strong emotions like betrayal, love and loss and Dryden harnesses these emotions, making his opponents seems at least as bad as the antagonists of these stories.
Religious Symbolism
In several places of the poem, Dryden refers to the values and history of the Christian faith. His opponents are described as a sect that goes against the word of God, consequently destroying heaven, should they succeed. In a world where every person strives for eternal salvation and fears eternal damnation, such comparisons transforms the opposing side into devils that deserve no mercy. This is exactly what Dryden wanted to achieve with this poem, to ridicule and vilify the Whig party and their anti-absolutistic world view.
