Preface to Shakespeare | Samuel Johnson | Easy Analysis

Summary

This video explores Samuel Johnson's influential 'Preface to Shakespeare,' highlighting his insights into Shakespeare's timeless relevance, character authenticity, and the complexities of his plays. Johnson defends Shakespeare against criticisms regarding moral purpose and plot structure, advocating for the playwright's blend of tragedy and comedy as a reflection of real life. He challenges classical unities of drama, emphasizing variety and the importance of character. Johnson's analysis set a precedent for future literary criticism, underscoring the relationship between literature and human nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Samuel Johnson, born in 1709, faced physical challenges and financial difficulties throughout his life but became a prominent literary figure.
• 😀 Johnson's 'Preface to Shakespeare' is a seminal work in English literary criticism, reflecting on Shakespeare's enduring relevance and influence.
• 😀 He argues that a poet's reputation is established by the timelessness and universal appeal of their work.
• 😀 Johnson highlights that Shakespeare's characters are true representations of human nature, not just products of their time.
• 😀 He defends Shakespeare against criticisms regarding the authenticity of his characters and their historical accuracy.
• 😀 Johnson acknowledges Shakespeare's blend of tragedy and comedy, asserting it reflects the complexities of real life.
• 😀 He critiques Shakespeare's lack of moral purpose and poetic justice in his plays, yet defends his artistic choices.
• 😀 Johnson questions the classical unities of time and place, advocating for the naturalistic representation found in Shakespeare's works.
• 😀 He emphasizes that Shakespeare's comic genius is more instinctual, producing humor that resonates with real life.
• 😀 Johnson's analysis set the foundation for future Shakespearean criticism, influencing notable critics for generations.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Samuel Johnson's 'Preface to Shakespeare'?

The primary focus is to provide an appreciative analysis of Shakespeare's works, discussing his merits and demerits, and establishing the significance of his plays in the context of literary criticism.

How did Samuel Johnson's background influence his work?

Johnson's early life as the son of a bookseller and his extensive reading from a young age shaped his literary knowledge, while his financial struggles and health issues contributed to his understanding of human nature, reflected in his writing.

What criteria does Johnson propose for evaluating a poet's work?

Johnson argues that a work's excellence is determined by its relevance over time and its comparison to similar works, emphasizing the importance of enduring human truths.

How does Johnson describe Shakespeare's characters?

Johnson describes Shakespeare's characters as true reflections of human nature, guided by the same principles that govern all humans, and stresses that they are distinct and relatable to their respective times and professions.

What defense does Johnson offer regarding Shakespeare's use of tragicomedy?

Johnson defends Shakespeare's mixing of tragedy and comedy by stating that this approach reflects the complexities of real life, where joy and sorrow coexist, and he believes it provides greater variety and entertainment.

What are some of the faults of Shakespeare that Johnson acknowledges?

Johnson acknowledges several faults, including Shakespeare's lack of moral purpose, loose plots, disregard for the classical unities of time and place, and instances of poor character consistency.

How does Johnson justify Shakespeare's neglect of the classical unities?

Johnson argues that these unities are based on flawed assumptions about audience perception, and he believes that variety and the portrayal of nature are more important than adhering to rigid classical rules.

What significance does Johnson attribute to Shakespeare's comic genius?

Johnson notes that Shakespeare's comedic scenes are created effortlessly and resonate with real life, suggesting that his comedy comes naturally, unlike his more labored tragic works.

What impact did Johnson's analysis have on future Shakespeare criticism?

Johnson's character analysis and focus on human nature laid the groundwork for future critics, influencing prominent figures like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and A.C. Bradley in their interpretations of Shakespeare.

What does Johnson believe constitutes good criticism?

Johnson believes that good criticism is rooted in thorough scholarship and understanding of a text, suggesting that critics must engage deeply with literary works to assess an author's originality and contributions effectively.