How does Dr. Johnson assess Cowley as a poet?

Answer

Discuss, in brief, Dr. Johnson’s evaluation of Cowley’s poetry.

Or, How does Dr. Johnson assess Cowley as a poet?

Dr. Johnson (1709-1784) praised Cowley (1618-1667) and blamed him. He said Cowley was a very clever poet. He also said Cowley had some problems with style. Johnson looked at his wit, feeling, and form. He liked some poems and disliked others. His judgment was fair and transparent.

Use of Wit: Johnson said Cowley was full of wit. He used smart words and strange ideas. His comparisons were bold and new. The author says, 

“Wit, like all other things, subject by their nature to the choice of man, has its changes and fashions, and, at different times, takes different forms.”

However, Johnson said too much wit can harm a poem. It can make it cold and dry. In Cowley’s poems, feeling was often missing. Johnson thought wit must not hide the heart of the poem.

Lack of Real Feeling: Johnson said Cowley’s poems were clever but lacked deep emotion. His love poems were full of tricks, not true love. Johnson said good poems must touch the heart. Cowley used fire, ice, and stars to talk about love. These ideas looked nice, but felt false. Johnson wanted simple words that showed real feelings.

Good in Short Poems: Johnson liked Cowley’s short poems more. He praised his “Anacreontiques” for their joy and ease. These poems were light and fun. They were easy to read and full of life. Johnson said Cowley was better when he was simple. 

In short, Dr. Johnson gave a mixed view of Cowley. He saw Cowley’s talent and learning. But he also saw his faults. Johnson said Cowley was great in parts but not always great. His poems had smart lines, but not always soft feelings.