Johnson as a Critic and Biographer of 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
Evaluate Johnson as a critic and biographer of Shakespeare.
Samuel Johnson’s (1709-1784) “Preface to Shakespeare” (1765) is a significant literary work in which he shares his thoughts and criticism of the renowned playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Johnson’s analysis provides valuable insights into Shakespeare’s plays and their impact on the English literary tradition. In this essay, we will explore Johnson’s criticisms and observations.
Diversity of Characters: Johnson commends Shakespeare’s ability to create many characters, each with unique traits, flaws, and motivations. He praises the depth and complexity of Shakespeare’s characterizations, which range from noble kings to mischievous fools.
Natural Dialogues: Johnson appreciates Shakespeare’s skill in writing natural-sounding dialogues. He believes that Shakespeare’s dialogues accurately reflect the language and expressions used by people in everyday life, contributing to his plays’ realism.
Historical Accuracy: Johnson commends Shakespeare’s attention to historical detail in his historical plays. He believes that Shakespeare’s thorough research and accurate portrayal of historical events and figures make his works informative and entertaining.
Language and Wit: Johnson praises Shakespeare’s command over the English language, noting his innovative wordplay, clever puns, and poetic language. He considers Shakespeare a master of wit, whose plays are filled with memorable quotes and phrases that have become part of the English literary canon.
Structural Critique: Johnson, however, critiques Shakespeare’s tendency to veer off into subplots, which sometimes results in a lack of coherence and focus. He argues that this excessive proliferation of subplots can distract the audience from the main storyline and dilute the impact of the play.
Use of Supernatural Elements: Johnson questions Shakespeare’s inclusion of supernatural elements, such as ghosts and witches, in his plays. He suggests that these elements often disrupt the sense of reality and diminish the overall impact of the narrative. Johnson believes that Shakespeare could have achieved even greater success by focusing on more natural and relatable themes.
Lack of Moral Purpose: Dr. Johnson says Shakespeare’s plays have no poetic justice. According to Samuel Johnson,
He sacrifices virtue to convenience and
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