Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson

Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson 

Samuel Johnson

• Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an English writer, critic, and lexicographer.
• Known for his influential literary criticism, including "Preface to Shakespeare."
• Compiled "A Dictionary of the English Language," a landmark dictionary.
• Wrote essays, poetry, and a novel, "Rasselas."
• Contributed to the development of English literature and the English language.
• Known for his conversational style and witty aphorisms.
• A central figure in the 18th-century literary and intellectual scene.

Introduction

• "Preface to Shakespeare" is a critical essay written by Samuel Johnson.
• It was published in 1765 and is considered one of the most important pieces of Shakespearean criticism.
• In the essay, Johnson discusses the merits and flaws of William Shakespeare's works.
• He praises Shakespeare's profound understanding of human nature and his ability to capture it in his characters.
• Johnson also criticizes some of Shakespeare's irregularities in language and structure.
• The essay had a significant influence on the study and appreciation of Shakespearean literature

Merits of Shakespeare

Johnson's appreciation for Shakespeare's genius is evident in the following aspects:

1. Insight into Human Nature: Johnson lauds Shakespeare's profound understanding of human nature. He believes that Shakespeare had an innate ability to delve into the complexities of the human psyche. His characters are not one-dimensional but exhibit a wide range of emotions, motives, and behaviors. Johnson recognizes Shakespeare's ability to portray humanity's virtues and vices, making his characters relatable and universally timeless.
2. Complex Characters: Johnson appreciates Shakespeare's skill in creating complex characters with depth and ambiguity. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Shakespeare's characters are not stereotypical or easily categorized. They exhibit a wide spectrum of emotions and motivations, making them more true to life. This complexity adds depth to the narratives and engages the audience on a profound level.
3. Moral Lessons: Johnson praises Shakespeare for incorporating moral lessons into his plays. While the characters may be intricate and their actions morally ambiguous, Shakespeare's works often offer insights into human behavior and the consequences of one's choices. These moral lessons make Shakespeare's plays not only entertaining but also instructive.
4. Language and Poetry: Johnson celebrates Shakespeare's mastery of language and poetry. He acknowledges Shakespeare's ability to craft beautiful and evocative verse, noting that his words resonate with a timeless quality. Shakespeare's poetic language elevates his plays to a level of artistry that transcends mere entertainment.
5. Varied Themes and Genres: Johnson highlights Shakespeare's versatility in tackling a wide range of themes and genres. From tragedies to comedies and historical plays to romances, Shakespeare's works span an extensive spectrum of human experience. This diversity is a testament to his creativity and his ability to connect with a broad audience.
6. Universal Themes: Johnson notes that Shakespeare's themes and characters have universal appeal and relevance. They continue to speak to audiences across time and cultures because they address fundamental aspects of the human condition. Whether it's love, jealousy, ambition, or the complexities of human relationships, Shakespeare's themes are timeless and relatable.
7. Originality and Creativity: Johnson emphasizes Shakespeare's originality and creativity. He commends Shakespeare for his ability to invent new plots and characters while infusing them with depth and authenticity. Shakespeare's innovative storytelling continues to captivate readers and viewers.

In summary, Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare" offers a comprehensive analysis of William Shakespeare's merits as a playwright and poet. Johnson's admiration for Shakespeare's understanding of human nature, character complexity, moral lessons, linguistic artistry, thematic diversity, and enduring universality highlights the profound impact of Shakespeare's works on literature and the human experience.

Demerits of Shakespeare

In Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare," while he lavishes praise on William Shakespeare for his merits, he also discusses several perceived demerits or shortcomings in Shakespeare's works. Johnson's critique can be summarized as follows:

1. Lack of Unifying Moral Vision: Johnson suggests that Shakespeare's plays lack a unifying moral vision. He argues that Shakespeare does not consistently promote a clear ethical standpoint in his works. This absence of a moral anchor can make it challenging for the audience to derive specific moral lessons or guidance from his plays.
2. Irregularities in Language and Style: Johnson criticizes Shakespeare for his irregular use of language, vocabulary, and grammar. He contends that Shakespeare's writing sometimes lacks the precision and elegance found in the works of classical writers. This linguistic irregularity can make Shakespeare's texts challenging to understand, especially for contemporary readers.
3. Lack of Decorum: Johnson observes that Shakespeare sometimes disregards the principle of dramatic decorum. He notes that Shakespeare's characters from different social classes may not adhere to the expected norms of behavior and language for their positions. This, according to Johnson, can diminish the dramatic credibility of the plays.
4. Overuse of Puns and Wordplay: Johnson remarks on Shakespeare's frequent use of puns and wordplay. While he acknowledges the wit and cleverness in Shakespeare's use of language, Johnson believes that excessive wordplay can detract from the serious or emotional aspects of the plays. He sees it as a potential distraction.
5. Lack of Unity in Some Plays: Johnson contends that some of Shakespeare's plays lack a clear sense of unity in terms of plot or thematic focus. He argues that Shakespeare sometimes combines disparate elements, genres, or plots, which can result in a lack of coherence. This can make some of his works seem disjointed.
6. Exaggeration and Artifice: Johnson criticizes Shakespeare for using exaggeration and artifice in his works. He suggests that Shakespeare sometimes employs contrived or sensational elements, such as supernatural occurrences or improbable coincidences, to create dramatic effects. This can strain the audience's suspension of disbelief.
7. Inconsistent Character Development: Johnson points out that while Shakespeare excels in creating complex characters, some of his plays feature inconsistent character development. Some characters may undergo abrupt transformations or lack a clear motivation for their actions.

It's important to note that Johnson's critique, while acknowledging these demerits, is not a wholesale dismissal of Shakespeare's works. Johnson recognizes that Shakespeare's genius far outweighs these perceived shortcomings. Nevertheless, he provides a balanced evaluation that acknowledges both the strengths and weaknesses in Shakespeare's plays and poetry, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the bard's literary contributions.

Other topics related to Shakespearean literature and dramatic writing:

In Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare," in addition to discussing the merits and demerits of William Shakespeare's works, Johnson covers several other topics related to Shakespearean literature and dramatic writing. Here are some of the key points and aspects discussed in the preface:

1. Shakespeare's Popularity: Johnson emphasizes the enduring and universal appeal of Shakespeare's works. He notes that Shakespeare's plays have transcended time and place, continuing to captivate audiences from diverse backgrounds and eras.
2. Theatrical Performance: Johnson acknowledges that Shakespeare's plays were primarily written for performance on the stage, and he highlights the importance of considering the practical aspects of theater when analyzing the works. He underscores the significance of the theatrical experience and how it shapes the interpretation of Shakespeare's plays.
3. Shakespeare's Contribution to Drama: Johnson credits Shakespeare with making significant contributions to the development of English drama. He suggests that Shakespeare's innovative use of character, language, and plot has had a lasting influence on the evolution of the theater.
4. Characterization: Johnson commends Shakespeare's skill in character portrayal, emphasizing that Shakespeare's characters are often multifaceted and true to life. He notes that the characters' behavior and motives are grounded in an accurate depiction of human nature.
5. Tragedy and Comedy: Johnson highlights Shakespeare's success in both tragedy and comedy. He praises the depth and emotional power of Shakespeare's tragedies while recognizing his ability to create humor and wit in his comedies.
6. The Appeal of Shakespeare's Works: Johnson discusses the diverse elements that contribute to the appeal of Shakespeare's works, including the relatability of his characters, the beauty of his language, and the universality of his themes.
7. Variety of Subjects and Genres: Johnson notes that Shakespeare's works encompass a wide range of subjects and genres, from historical plays to romantic comedies. This diversity reflects Shakespeare's capacity to engage with various facets of human experience.
8. The Sublimity of Shakespeare: Johnson acknowledges that Shakespeare's works have moments of sublimity and grandeur, which elevate his writing to the level of art. He cites examples of Shakespeare's ability to convey powerful and emotionally resonant scenes.
9. Shakespeare's Influence on Other Writers: Johnson recognizes Shakespeare's profound influence on subsequent writers, both in England and around the world. He points out that many later authors drew inspiration from Shakespeare's techniques and themes.
10. The Necessity of Critical Analysis: Johnson advocates for a careful and critical analysis of Shakespeare's works. He encourages scholars and critics to examine the plays and poems with rigor and diligence, seeking to understand and appreciate the intricacies of his writing.

In summary, "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson provides a comprehensive examination of Shakespeare's contributions to literature and the theater, as well as an exploration of the enduring appeal and influence of his works. The preface offers valuable insights into the complexities and enduring significance of Shakespearean literature.