Samuel Johnson's Preface to Shakespeare: An Analysis

Context and Background

• Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare" was published in the late 18th century.
• This essay serves as an early comprehensive collection of Shakespeare's works.
• Johnson's work is considered one of the first substantial critical analyses of Shakespeare.
• It is characterized by Johnson as a work of "conjectural criticism."

Main Themes of the Preface

Praise and Critique of Shakespeare

• Universality: Like Homer, Shakespeare is seen as a universal writer.
• Merits:
  • Avoidance of the classical unities (time, place); Johnson argues this is actually a merit.
  • Excellence in the unity of action; events are interconnected with coherence.
  • Popularity with both the upper classes and groundlings.
  • Characters are reflective of real life, with a true mirror to life.
• Criticisms:
  • Lack of explicit moral instruction in plays.
  • Shakespeare's tragedies sometimes end abruptly with destruction.
  • Use of puns, sometimes seen as insipid or dull.

The Role of Comedy and Tragedy

• Comedy is Shakespeare's natural strength, with quick wit.
• Tragedy, although profound, sometimes lacks skillful resolution.
• Mixture of comedy in tragedies and vice versa reflects life's realities.

Shakespeare's Characters

• Johnson emphasizes the realistic and universal nature of Shakespeare's characters.
• Characters are shown with various shades, reflecting true human nature.

Johnson's Critique on Criticism

• Neutral Objectivity: Johnson advocates for a balanced approach in criticism.
  • Uses the metaphor of Roman Honour to defend conjecture rather than attacking fellow critics.
  • Maintains originality of Shakespeare's texts and acknowledges sources borrowed from.
  • Johnson is aware of the transient nature of criticism, recognizing its potential to become outdated.

Johnson's Metaphors

• Mountain Ranges and Rivers: Used to illustrate the vastness of literary genius.
• Rock and Sand: Shakespeare is the rock, standing against time, while other writers are like sand.

Conclusion

• Johnson's work is regarded as a canonical piece for studying Shakespeare.
• His balanced critique and acknowledgment of Shakespeare's universal appeal remain relevant even in the 21st century.
• Johnson's objective stance and metaphorical language contribute to the enduring significance of his analysis.