How Does Dr Johnson Compare Cowley and Milton as Poets?

Answer

 How does Dr Johnson compare Cowley and Milton as poets?

Samuel Johnson (1709 -1784) was an English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a literary critic and biographer. He has shown his genius in criticism and the biographies of the poets.

In “The Life of Cowley, (is a part of Samuel Johnson’s “The Lives of Poets,” published in 3 Volume from 1779-1781)” Samuel Johnson compares the poets Abraham Cowley (1618-1667) and John Milton (1608-1674). He highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses. Johnson acknowledges the talent and popularity of both poets but offers a critical analysis of their works.

Cowley’s Wit and Versatility: Dr. Johnson begins by praising Cowley’s wit, versatility, and natural inclination towards poetry. He praises Cowley for his ability to excel in different styles, including lyric poetry, epic poetry, and prose. 

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.

He admires Cowley’s use of metaphors and his skill in crafting intricate and clever lines. Johnson also acknowledges Cowley’s influence on his contemporaries and subsequent generations of poets.

Shortcomings: However, Johnson also points out Cowley’s shortcomings as a poet. He criticizes Cowley’s excessive use of puns and conceits, which he considers artificial and contrived. Johnson argues that Cowley’s wit often takes precedence over genuine emotion. Johnson says about metaphysical poets:

The Most heterogeneous ideas are yoked by violence together.

Comparing Cowley to Milton: When comparing Cowley to Milton, Johnson offers a contrasting view. He considers Milton a poet of higher stature and places him in a league above Cowley. Johnson praises Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” as a monumental achievement and a masterpiece of English literature. He admires Milton’s grand imagination, command over language, and ability to depict sublime and profound ideas.

Style: Johnson also contrasts Milton’s style with Cowley’s. He believes that Milton’s language is more natural, his imagery is more vivid, and his verses are more harmonious. In contrast to Cowley’s excessive ornamentation, Johnson appreciates Milton’s more straightforward style, which he considers more powerful and effective.

In fine, we must say that although Cowley and Milton are different in their geniuses, they are the two shining stars in English literature.