Johnson as a critic of Shakespeare

Dr. Samuel Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most important literary critics of all time, and his contributions to the field of Shakespearean criticism are particularly noteworthy. In his "Preface to Shakespeare," Johnson offers a detailed analysis of the Bard's plays, assessing their literary merit, thematic richness, and cultural significance. In this essay, I will explore Johnson's contributions as a critic of Shakespeare, highlighting his unique insights and perspectives.

 

One of Johnson's primary contributions to Shakespearean criticism is his defense of the Bard's use of language. Johnson argues that Shakespeare's plays are distinguished by their use of a unique, poetic language that is simultaneously rich in meaning and accessible to a broad audience. He asserts that Shakespeare's language is distinguished by its clarity, expressiveness, and versatility, which enables the playwright to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that is both profound and engaging.

 

Another key contribution that Johnson makes to Shakespearean criticism is his analysis of the Bard's characters. Johnson observes that Shakespeare's characters are distinguished by their psychological depth, their moral complexity, and their humanity. He argues that Shakespeare's characters are not simply archetypes or stock figures, but rather complex individuals whose motivations and actions are shaped by a range of internal and external factors.

 

Johnson's analysis of Shakespeare's themes is also notable for its depth and insight. He identifies recurring motifs and ideas that are present throughout the Bard's plays, including the nature of love, the relationship between appearance and reality, and the tension between reason and passion. Johnson argues that these themes reflect a profound understanding of human nature and are a testament to Shakespeare's enduring cultural relevance.

 

In addition to his analysis of Shakespeare's language, characters, and themes, Johnson also offers a critique of the Bard's weaknesses. He notes, for example, that some of Shakespeare's plays suffer from structural weaknesses, such as implausible plot devices or lapses in continuity. Johnson also argues that some of Shakespeare's characters lack psychological consistency or depth, and that certain plays are marred by an excess of sentimentality or moralizing.

 

Despite these criticisms, however, Johnson's overall assessment of Shakespeare is overwhelmingly positive. He regards the Bard as a literary genius who has left an indelible mark on Western culture. Johnson sees Shakespeare's plays as a reflection of the human experience, capturing the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and tragedies, of human life in all its complexity and richness.

 

In conclusion, Dr. Samuel Johnson's contributions to Shakespearean criticism are significant and enduring. His analysis of Shakespeare's language, characters, and themes remains a model for literary criticism, and his defense of the Bard's enduring cultural relevance continues to shape our understanding of Shakespeare's place in the literary canon. While Johnson's critiques of Shakespeare's weaknesses remain relevant, his overall assessment of the Bard as a literary genius and cultural icon endures to this day.