Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson

Preface to Shakespeare

 Preface to Shakespeare is written by Samuel Johnson as a preface to the plays of William Shakespeare (1764) edited by Samuel Johnson and Georges Stevens. Dryden writes plays and glorifies tragi comedy. Johnson writes works which defends violation of unities. Dryden and Johnson's writings are full of neoclassical wit. Death endures a certain kind of permanence (and criticizes modern writers). 

Criticism were brought closer to lay men in coffee houses from courts. Aspects related to intellect and wit prioritized over aesthetics and Johnson was willing to let go of classical traditions which he believed in order to support Shakespeare's writing that dominated in aesthetics. The general tendency during the neoclassical period was to base a work on classical works. The 'length of duration' was considered to be the main factor of an excellent work. Excellence of a work has to be in par with similar works - production of genius. Dryden wrote 'Preface to Chancer and this comparative strand was found even in Johnson. But 'he' also moves away from the comparison and focuses on radical criticism which becomes the major intervention in literary critical theories. It evolves into a sophisticated way and is labelled New historicism. It employs modes of historical criticism and takes into account the modes of the production which operated outside the text, biographical information that he garnered from different sources and also within the context of the production. The merits are not delving into the text and how it was received by the audience and even the flaws is written in similar structure (dialogue with the audience). In Line 55 Johnson use 'the poet' - classical criticism 'unanimously'  used for 'Homer' - 'The Poet' is the same title to given to Shakespeare by Johnson. 

English critical tradition emerges as a formidable successor of the classical traditions but far removed from it. Shakespeare has a a dignity of an ancient outliving his century that stood the true test of literary merit, says Dr. Johnson. His works were universal in nature and therefore had the power to stand the test of time. Further, Johnson critically evaluates the popularity of Shakespeare and cements his popularity forever. his works had the quality of pleasing across generations, and this has been the true yardstick to measure a work and its merit. this popularity is not natural but rather aided by class, race, region and many others. Criticism of Shakespeare is only evolving initially and Johnson being reverential in his approach that Shakespeare has outlived his century and continue to please many.

In the second part of the essay Johnson mentions the flaws of Shakespeare. This is indeed a very balanced outlook and therefore this piece of work is more credible and relevant. This text has also stood the test of time and it becomes a seminal work in the understandings of the shaping of English literary tradition. in course of time the general observation of the literature, need to stay within the moral framework. What is expected of literature just as it was also mentioned in Dryden's Preface to Chaucer and Ovid. there are a number of critical observations of the universality of Shakespeare and his plays and his characters. this is to note that his characters are not individuals but they are just types. we could relocate these characters or narrative in different languages, in different context, cultural context, also different genres, plays stories, visual images, cinematic experiences. the observations made here by Johnson becomes universal tenants. this is not only about Shakespeare , but also about good literature, which is universal and the power to please decades.

Defects

  • his works were pleasing than instructing/ n moral purpose.
  • plots are loosely formed, rewards and merits were his major concern.
  • violated chronology
  • language coarse especially in comic scenes
  • tragedies came out of hard labour and comedies on instinct
  • repetition
  • dialogues do not match the occasion
  • use of quibbles
  • neglected the three unities
  • absence of system and social duty
  • no distribution of good and evil
  • jokes are often gross and licentious
  • sacrifices reason and propriety and truth for the use of pun
Defense of Shakespeare's Unities
  • Change of place when the spectators are sitting in the same room (spectators imagine and adjust their minds)
  • an action that lasted for several months or years is shown in 3 hours in Shakespeare's play
Johnson explains that stage is only a stage and players are only players. "The delight of tragedy proceeds from one consciousness of fiction."
"Imitations produce pain or pleasure, not because they are mistaken for realities, but because they bring realities to mind." Dramatic exhibition is only a presentation of a book. Only unity of action is essential. Violation of time and place is the genius of Shakespeare says Johnson.

Prepared by
Dr. Susan Mathew




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