8.1 Samuel Johnson's life and literary contributions
5 min read•august 1, 2024
Samuel Johnson, a literary giant of 18th-century England, shaped the era's intellectual landscape. His diverse works, from poetry to criticism, and his famous dictionary, established him as a key figure in English literature and language.
Johnson's life story, marked by struggles and triumphs, mirrors the complexities of his time. His contributions to prose, poetry, and continue to influence our understanding of 18th-century culture and the development of the English language.
Samuel Johnson's Life and Career
Early Life and Education
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- Born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, in 1709 into a family with strong connections to the book trade influenced his early exposure to literature and writing
- Formal education at Pembroke College, Oxford cut short due to financial difficulties led to a period of struggle and self-education
- Shaped his later views on learning and perseverance
- Developed a lifelong passion for autodidacticism
- Worked briefly as a schoolmaster where he formed a friendship with actor
- Proved instrumental in his introduction to London's literary circles
- Garrick later became one of the most famous actors of the 18th century
Career Beginnings and Personal Challenges
- Moved to London in 1737 marked the beginning of his professional writing career
- Faced initial hardships including poverty and obscurity
- Gradually established himself as a prominent literary figure through persistent writing and networking
- Married Elizabeth Porter in 1735, but her death in 1752 profoundly impacted Johnson's emotional state
- Reflected in his later works, particularly meditations on human suffering (The Vanity of Human Wishes)
- Influenced his views on mortality and the human condition
- Struggled with chronic health issues throughout his life
- Suffered from depression and what is now believed to be Tourette syndrome
- These conditions influenced both his writing style (often melancholic and introspective) and the themes he explored in his work (human frailty, the nature of happiness)
Professional Success and Later Years
- Granted a pension by King George III in 1762 provided financial stability
- Allowed him to focus more intensively on his literary pursuits and major works
- Freed from the necessity of writing for immediate income, Johnson could undertake more ambitious projects
- Became the center of the "Literary Club," which included notable figures (Joshua Reynolds, Edmund Burke)
- Established him as a key influencer in London's intellectual circles
- Provided a forum for intellectual discourse and debate on various topics
- Undertook a journey to Scotland in 1773, documented in "A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland"
- Provided valuable insights into 18th-century Scottish culture and the Highland way of life
- Demonstrated Johnson's curiosity about different cultures and ways of life within Britain
Johnson's Influence in 18th-Century England
Literary and Cultural Impact
- Solidified his role as a literary critic and arbiter of taste through works (Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets)
- Shaped the literary canon of his time by evaluating and critiquing major English poets
- Established criteria for literary excellence that influenced subsequent generations of critics
- Conversational prowess, as recorded in 's "Life of Samuel Johnson," became a model for intellectual discourse
- Set standards for wit, eloquence, and argumentation in 18th-century society
- Boswell's itself became a landmark in the genre of literary biography
- Published moral essays in periodicals (, The Idler) addressed contemporary social issues
- Helped shape public opinion on various matters (marriage, education, social customs)
- Demonstrated Johnson's ability to combine moral instruction with engaging prose
Intellectual Leadership and Mentorship
- Provided literary patronage and mentorship to younger writers (Oliver Goldsmith)
- Contributed to the development of new literary talents in the period
- Helped establish a network of writers and thinkers who would shape English literature
- Positioned himself as a defender of Augustan literary values in the face of changing cultural trends
- Expressed skepticism towards emerging Romantic ideals
- Maintained the importance of reason, order, and moral purpose in literature
- Influence extended beyond literature to areas of philosophy, politics, and social commentary
- His opinions on various subjects were widely sought and respected
- Contributed to public debates on issues (slavery, colonialism, gender roles)
Johnson's Literary Contributions
Poetry and Prose
- Poem "London" (1738), an imitation of Juvenal's Third , established his reputation as a skilled verse satirist
- Commented on urban life and social issues in 18th-century London
- Demonstrated Johnson's mastery of the heroic couplet form
- Philosophical novel "Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia" (1759) explored themes of human happiness and rationalism's limitations
- Influenced the development of the philosophical tale genre
- Addressed universal questions about the nature of happiness and the human condition
- Periodical essays in "The Rambler" (1750-52) and "The Idler" (1758-60) refined the genre of the moral essay
- Showcased Johnson's distinctive prose style, characterized by balance and antithesis
- Covered a wide range of topics (, literature, social customs)
Literary Criticism and Biography
- Preface to his edition of Shakespeare's plays (1765) considered a landmark in Shakespeare criticism
- Offered insightful analysis of Shakespeare's works
- Defended Shakespeare against neoclassical criticisms, arguing for his universal appeal
- Biographical work "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" (1779-81) set new standards for literary biography
- Combined biographical information with critical analysis of poets' works
- Influenced subsequent generations of critics and biographers in approach and style
- characterized by its moral focus and attention to human elements in literature
- Helped shape the critical discourse of the 18th century and beyond
- Emphasized the importance of literature's moral and instructive functions
Johnson's Impact on English Language and Lexicography
A Dictionary of the English Language
- Published "" (1755), the most comprehensive English dictionary of its time
- Set new standards for lexicography, influencing subsequent dictionaries for centuries
- Contained approximately 43,000 words with 114,000 literary quotations
- Introduced a new methodology in lexicography by providing illustrative quotations from literature
- Enhanced definitions with examples of word usage from respected authors
- This approach is still influential in modern dictionary-making
- Helped standardize English spelling and usage during a period of rapid linguistic change
- Contributed significantly to the codification of the English language
- Became a reference point for "correct" English in education and publishing
Linguistic Contributions and Legacy
- Included etymologies in dictionary entries promoted a historical understanding of the English language
- Influenced the development of historical linguistics
- Demonstrated the evolution of words and their meanings over time
- Prescriptive approach to language played a crucial role in shaping ideas about "correct" English usage
- While sometimes criticized, his work became a touchstone for language standards
- Influenced debates about language change and standardization that continue today
- Witty and often subjective definitions reflected his personality and added a literary quality to lexicography
- Defined "oats" as "a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people"
- These definitions became famous in their own right and demonstrated the potential for creativity in lexicography
- Work on the dictionary influenced the development of English as a global language
- Provided a comprehensive reference work used in education and standardization efforts worldwide
- Contributed to the spread and standardization of English during a period of British imperial expansion
Key Terms to Review (16)
A Dictionary of the English Language: A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755 by Samuel Johnson, is a comprehensive reference work that aimed to define and document the English language systematically. Johnson's dictionary not only included definitions but also provided examples of usage, etymologies, and literary quotations, making it a pioneering work in lexicography. This dictionary had a profound impact on English literature and language, establishing standards for future dictionaries and influencing the way people understood and utilized the English language.
Biography: A biography is a detailed description of a person's life, focusing on their experiences, achievements, and the context in which they lived. This term connects deeply to the examination of notable figures in literature, as it helps to understand their motivations, influences, and contributions within their historical and cultural framework.
David Garrick: David Garrick was a prominent 18th-century English actor, playwright, and theater manager, known for his influential role in transforming English theatre. He is often celebrated for his innovative performances and his efforts to improve the quality of theatrical productions, making them more respectable and engaging to the public. His collaborations with other literary figures also contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of the time.
Didactic literature: Didactic literature refers to a genre of writing that is intended to instruct or educate its audience, often conveying moral, ethical, or practical lessons. This type of literature not only entertains but also imparts knowledge and encourages reflection on values and behavior. In various forms, didactic literature has played a significant role in shaping societal norms and individual understanding throughout history.
Epistolary form: Epistolary form is a literary style that uses letters, diary entries, or other forms of correspondence to tell a story. This format allows for a deep exploration of characters' thoughts and feelings while providing a unique perspective on events. It often creates intimacy between the reader and the characters, as the narrative unfolds through personal communication.
Human Nature: Human nature refers to the inherent characteristics, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, that define what it means to be human. This concept often explores themes of morality, motivation, and the complexities of individual and collective identity, influencing various literary movements and works across time.
Influence on Romantic Poets: The influence on Romantic poets refers to the various intellectual, cultural, and literary forces that shaped the themes, styles, and philosophies of poets during the Romantic era, which spanned from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. This influence encompasses the shift towards individualism, emotion, nature, and rebellion against industrialization that characterized Romantic poetry. Significant figures and movements in earlier literature, such as Samuel Johnson and his literary contributions, played a critical role in setting the stage for Romanticism's emergence.
James Boswell: James Boswell was a Scottish biographer and diarist, best known for his work 'The Life of Samuel Johnson', which is widely regarded as one of the greatest biographies in English literature. His close relationship with Samuel Johnson not only provides insight into Johnson's life and works but also reflects the literary culture of 18th-century England, highlighting the interconnectedness of writers during that era.
Lexicography: Lexicography is the art and science of compiling, writing, and editing dictionaries. It involves not just the collection of words and their meanings, but also the organization and presentation of this information to facilitate user understanding. This discipline plays a critical role in defining language and shaping our understanding of words and their usage, particularly in the context of historical texts and literary analysis.
Literary criticism: Literary criticism is the evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of literary works, assessing their meanings, themes, structures, and cultural significance. This practice helps to establish a dialogue between texts and readers, enriching the understanding of both the literature itself and the context in which it was created. It can encompass various approaches, including historical, formalist, feminist, and post-colonial perspectives, each offering unique insights into the text's relevance and impact.
Morality: Morality refers to the principles and values that guide individuals in determining right from wrong, often influencing ethical behavior and decision-making. In literature, morality often serves as a central theme, exploring the consequences of human actions, the nature of good and evil, and the moral dilemmas characters face. It reflects societal norms and personal beliefs, which can vary across different cultures and time periods.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 17th century, emphasizing reason, order, and classical ideals derived from ancient Greek and Roman culture. This movement was characterized by its focus on clarity, harmony, restraint, and a structured approach to both art and literature, reflecting the political and social contexts of its time.
Satire: Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock social, political, or moral issues. It serves as a powerful tool for social commentary and is often employed to provoke thought and encourage reform by highlighting the flaws in individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.
The lives of the poets: The lives of the poets refers to the personal experiences, backgrounds, and historical contexts that shaped the works of notable poets. Understanding their lives is essential to fully grasping the themes, styles, and motivations behind their poetry, revealing how their individual journeys influenced their literary contributions and reception.
The rambler: The Rambler is a series of essays published by Samuel Johnson in the 1750s, which explored various topics including morality, society, and human behavior. These essays were instrumental in shaping the literary culture of the time and reflected Johnson's views on the importance of moral guidance through literature. The Rambler served as a platform for Johnson to engage with the public, influencing both readers and writers within the Johnsonian circle.
Transition to modern english literature: The transition to modern English literature refers to the shift in literary styles, themes, and societal influences that occurred primarily from the late 17th century to the mid-19th century. This period is characterized by a move away from traditional forms and subjects toward more diverse voices, individualism, and the exploration of human experience, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of England during this time.