How does Johnson defend Shakespeare?
Preface to Shakespeare is a notable literary work by Samuel Johnson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Preface to Shakespeare.
Answer
How does Johnson defend Shakespeare against the charge of the violation of the three unities?
In the eighteenth century, many critics said that William Shakespeare (1564-1616) broke the classical unities. These unities are unity of action, unity of time, and unity of place. But Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) defended Shakespeare in his “Preface to Shakespeare” (1765). He said Shakespeare’s plays are better because they show real life and real feelings. Johnson believed that the story and emotions are more important than following strict rules. He praised Shakespeare for focusing on truth, not on tradition. Below are the key reasons Johnson gives to support Shakespeare’s style.
Unity of Action: Johnson agrees that a play must have one main story (unity of action). Shakespeare follows this rule well. His plays have clear beginnings, middles, and ends. For example, “Hamlet” (1623) focuses on revenge, and all events connect to it. But forcing all events into one day or place is unnecessary. Johnson believed this unity is enough to keep the play meaningful.
No Need for Time Unity: Johnson argued that the unity of time is unnecessary in drama. Classical rules say the story should happen within 24 hours. But Johnson said that real life does not happen in such a short time. Shakespeare showed events that take many days. He thought the audience can easily imagine the passage of time. Johnson believed that the power of imagination is strong. People understand that they are watching a play. So, they do not need real-time events.
Freedom of Place: Johnson trusts the audience’s imagination. When a play skips time or changes location, viewers can adjust. For example, in “The Winter’s Tale”, 16 years pass between acts. The audience accepts this because the story is compelling. Johnson says strict unities are unnecessary because people understand storytelling. Shakespeare respects the audience’s ability to imagine. About the unity of time and place, the author says,
“The unities of time and place are not essential to a just drama, that though they may sometimes conduce to pleasure, they
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