Dr. Samuel Johnson as a Critic

 Dr. Samuel Johnson as a Critic

INTRODUCTION:

Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was one of the most influential literary critics of the 18th century. His major contributions to literary criticism include his ‘Preface to Shakespeare’, ‘Lives of the Poets’, and various essays published in ‘The Rambler’, ‘The Idler’, and ‘The Adventurer’. Johnson’s approach to criticism was deeply moralistic, neoclassical, and practical, emphasizing literature’s role in refining human nature and upholding moral values.

Johnson’s Critical Principles

1. Morality and Literature

Johnson firmly believed that literature should have a moral purpose. He considered poetry and drama as powerful tools to instruct and refine human nature. Unlike some critics who viewed literature purely as an art form, Johnson insisted that it should teach virtue and improve society. He criticized works that lacked ethical purpose and warned against excessive imagination that could mislead the reader.

 

2. Practical Approach to Criticism

Unlike the rigid Neoclassical critics, who insisted on strict adherence to Aristotle’s rules of drama, Johnson took a more practical approach. He acknowledged the importance of rules but argued that they should not restrict the natural flow of artistic expression. He believed that literature should be judged by its effect on the reader, not by its conformity to classical principles.

Johnson’s Major Contributions to Criticism

1. Preface to Shakespeare (1765):

Johnson’s Preface to Shakespeare is one of his most significant critical works. In this, he presents a balanced evaluation of Shakespeare’s strengths and weaknesses.

Johnson’s Praise for Shakespeare

a)  He recognized Shakespeare as the greatest of all dramatists, primarily because of his deep understanding of human nature.

b)  Shakespeare’s characters, according to Johnson, are real and universal, making them relatable to audiences of all ages.

c)   He defended Shakespeare’s mixture of tragedy and comedy, arguing that this reflects real life, where joy and sorrow often coexist.

Johnson’s Criticism of Shakespeare

a)  He criticized Shakespeare’s neglect of moral instruction, pointing out that his plays do not always reward virtue or punish vice.

b)  He found faults in Shakespeare’s careless plotting and loose structure, often lacking unity and coherence.

c)   Johnson also disapproved of Shakespeare’s excessive wordplay and puns, which he believed weakened the dramatic impact.

2. Lives of the Poets (1779–1781):

Here, Johnson provides critical biographies of 52 English poets, from John Milton to his contemporaries. His approach is deeply biographical, linking the poet’s personal life to their literary achievements.

Some of his notable evaluations are as follows:

a)  John Milton – Johnson admired Milton’s epic grandeur in Paradise Lost but criticized his political and religious beliefs, showing his own Tory bias.

b)  John Dryden – He praised Dryden’s versatility and contribution to literary criticism, calling him the “father of English criticism.”

c)   Alexander Pope – Johnson highly regarded Pope’s technical perfection and wit, considering him a master of poetic form.

d)  Thomas Gray – He criticized Gray for writing too little, arguing that his ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’ was his only truly great poem.

In ‘Lives of the Poets’, Johnson’s subjectivity and strong personal opinions are evident, yet his assessments remain some of the most insightful literary critiques of the 18th century.

3. Periodical Essays in ‘The Rambler’, ‘The Idler’, and ‘The Adventurer’:

Johnson’s critical essays in ‘The Rambler’ (1750–1752), ‘The Idler’ (1758–1760), and ‘The Adventurer’ reflect his moralistic approach to literature and criticism. In these essays, he discussed themes like human nature, morality, education, and the role of literature.

a)  He criticized sentimentalism in literature, arguing that excessive emotions could weaken moral judgment.

b)  He emphasized realism and authenticity in literary works, condemning artificiality.

c)   He rejected false wit and exaggeration, believing that literature should reflect truth and wisdom rather than superficial elegance.

Conclusion

Dr. Samuel Johnson was not only a towering literary figure of the 18th century but also a critic whose insights remain relevant even today. His influence extended to later critics like William Hazlitt, Matthew Arnold, and T.S. Eliot, who admired his practical approach and deep insight. His moralistic approach and practical criticism made his evaluations timeless. His ‘Preface to Shakespeare’, ‘Lives of the Poets’, and periodical essays continue to shape modern literary thought. Johnson’s criticism reminds us that great literature is not just about artistic beauty but also about truth, wisdom, and moral depth.