Johnson’s Views on Shakespeare’s Characters
___ is a notable literary work by ___. 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 ___.
Answer
Critically evaluate Johnson’s views on Shakespeare’s characters.
Or, What are the merits of Shakespeare for which Johnson admires him so much?
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is the most brilliant figure in the realm of English drama. Shakespeare’s plays are pure gold. They have many excellences. In “Preface to Shakespeare” (1765), Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) very minutely tries to expose the absolute genius, keen intellect, genuine excellence, and everlasting significance of William Shakespeare. Johnson’s admiration for Shakespeare was not merely passionate but spontaneous.
A Representation of General Nature: Shakespeare’s plays represent general nature that brings immortality to literary works. A faithful representation of nature is a source of pleasure to many people, and such a representation continues to give pleasure. The wonderful or artificial thing does not give delight for a long time. However, only things based on truth can be a source of permanent and perpetual pleasure. So Johnson rightly says,
Nothing can please many and please long, but just representation of general nature.
Here, it is noted that, according to the classical view, art imitates nature. For Johnson, nature is not life, but life is the actual and particular occurrences or persons.
A Faithful Mirror of Manners and Life: According to Johnson, Shakespeare is the poet of humans more than any other modern writer. His plays offer a faithful picture of real life. In Johnson’s words,
Shakespeare is above all writers, at least above all modern writers, the poet of nature; the poet that holds up to his readers: faithful mirror of manners and of life.
Shakespeare’s characters are so realistic that Johnson says,
Shakespeare has no heroes, his scenes are occupied only by men.
So, his characters are extremely decorated by both the common and extraordinary situations of real life.
Intransient Characters: Shakespeare’s Characters are the authentic and genuine product of common humanity. So,
His characters are not modified by the customs of particular places.
Undoubtedly, Shakespeare’sUnlock this study guide now