Samuel Johnson and His Important Works

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Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was a prominent English writer, poet, and literary critic who made significant contributions to literary criticism.

Here are some of his key contributions:

  1. Establishment of Literary Criticism as a Discipline: Johnson helped establish literary criticism as a respected discipline, separate from creative writing.
  2. Development of Critical Principles: He developed critical principles, such as the importance of reason, morality, and taste in evaluating literature.
  3. Introduction of the Concept of “General Nature”: Johnson introduced the concept of “general nature,” which refers to the universal human experiences and emotions that literature should express.
  4. Emphasis on Morality and Ethics: He believed that literature should convey moral and ethical messages, and that critics should evaluate works based on their moral content.
  5. Critique of Romanticism: Johnson was skeptical of the emerging Romantic movement, arguing that it emphasized emotion over reason and neglected classical values.
  6. Influence on Later Critics: Johnson’s ideas influenced later critics, such as William Hazlitt and Matthew Arnold, who built upon his principles.

Samuel Johnson’s notable works include:

  1. A Dictionary of the English Language (1755) – a groundbreaking dictionary that standardized English spelling and vocabulary.
  2. The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-1781) – a collection of biographies and critical essays on prominent English poets.
  3. The Rambler (1750-1752) – a series of essays on various subjects, including literature, morality, and society.
  4. The Idler (1758-1760) – a collection of essays on topics such as literature, art, and science.
  5. The Adventurer (1753-1754) – a series of essays on literature, morality, and society.
  6. The Patriot (1774) – a political pamphlet arguing against British taxation policies.
  7. Taxation No Tyranny (1775) – a political pamphlet defending British taxation policies.
  8. Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland (1775) – a travelogue recounting Johnson’s journey to Scotland.
  9. The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759) – a philosophical novel exploring themes of happiness and morality.
  10. Irene (1749) – a play that explores the themes of love, power, and mortality.

These works showcase Johnson’s wit, intellect, and literary skill, and continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers today.

Samuel Johnson’s notable ideas:

Shakespeare:

  1. Universal Appeal: Johnson believed Shakespeare’s works have a universal appeal, transcending time and culture.
  2. Human Nature: He saw Shakespeare’s plays as exploring fundamental aspects of human nature, making them relatable and timeless.
  3. Moral Lessons: Johnson argued that Shakespeare’s plays convey valuable moral lessons, teaching audiences about virtue and vice.

Poetry:

  1. Imagination and Fancy: Johnson distinguished between imagination (creative power) and fancy ( decorative language), emphasizing the importance of imagination in poetry.
  2. Nature and Art: He believed poetry should reflect nature, but also acknowledged the role of art in shaping poetic expression.
  3. Moral Purpose: Johnson saw poetry as having a moral purpose, conveying truths and promoting virtue.

Drama:

  1. Aristotelian Principles: Johnson applied Aristotelian principles to drama, emphasizing the importance of unity, plot, and character development.
  2. Emotional Connection: He believed drama should evoke emotions, creating a connection between the audience and the performance.
  3. Moral Instruction: Johnson saw drama as a means of moral instruction, teaching audiences through engaging stories and characters.

Criticism:

  1. Objective Criticism: Johnson advocated for objective criticism, evaluating works based on their artistic merit rather than personal taste.
  2. Contextual Understanding: He emphasized the importance of understanding a work’s historical and cultural context.
  3. Moral Evaluation: Johnson believed criticism should evaluate a work’s moral content, considering its impact on the audience.

Johnson’s ideas on Shakespeare, poetry, drama, and criticism continue to influence literary theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the nature of creative expression and artistic evaluation.

The Lives of The Poets:

In “The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets”, Samuel Johnson presents his ideas on poetry, literature, and criticism through biographical and critical essays on prominent English poets.

  1. The importance of biography: Johnson believed that a poet’s life and character influenced their writing, making biography essential to understanding their work.
  2. The role of nature and art: He discussed the interplay between nature ( innate talent) and art (learned skill) in shaping a poet’s style and success.
  3. The power of imagination: Johnson emphasized the importance of imagination in poetry, seeing it as a key element in creating original and impactful works.
  4. The need for moral purpose: He argued that poetry should convey moral lessons and promote virtue, reflecting his belief in literature’s ethical responsibility.
  5. The impact of circumstances: Johnson considered how external circumstances, such as patronage, criticism, and personal struggles, influenced a poet’s work and reputation.
  6. The dangers of unchecked passion: He cautioned against the dangers of uncontrolled passion and emotion in poetry, advocating for balance and reason.
  7. The importance of language and style: Johnson discussed the significance of language, style, and literary devices in shaping a poet’s unique voice and contribution.
  8. The role of criticism: He saw criticism as essential in evaluating poetry, providing guidance for poets and readers alike.

By exploring these ideas through the lives and works of prominent poets, Johnson’s “Lives” offers valuable insights into literary history, criticism, and the art of poetry itself.

Samuel Johnson had opinions on various writers, including:

  1. William Shakespeare: Johnson admired Shakespeare’s genius, but also criticized his irregularities and lack of classical learning.
  2. John Milton: He praised Milton’s Paradise Lost, but also noted its flaws, such as overly complex language and poor characterization.
  3. Alexander Pope: Johnson saw Pope as a master of satire and versification, but also criticized his superficiality and lack of passion.
  4. Jonathan Swift: He admired Swift’s wit and satire, but also noted his misanthropy and lack of generosity.
  5. John Dryden: Johnson praised Dryden’s skill and versatility, but also criticized his unevenness and lack of originality.
  6. Thomas Gray: He admired Gray’s elegance and lyricism, but also noted his limitations and lack of depth.
  7. James Thomson: Johnson praised Thomson’s Seasons, but also criticized its excessive description and lack of narrative.
  8. William Wordsworth: Johnson did not live to see Wordsworth’s rise, but his comments on poetry’s focus on nature and emotion anticipate Wordsworth’s Romanticism.

Johnson’s opinions on other writers reflect his values of:

  • Classical learning and literary tradition
  • Moral and ethical responsibility in literature
  • Balance between reason and passion
  • Importance of language and style
  • Criticism as a means of improvement

His thoughts on other writers continue to influence literary criticism and scholarship, offering insights into the literary landscape of his time.

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