Key Takeaways
1. The Test of Time Validates True Excellence
What mankind have long possessed they have often examined and compared, and if they persist to value the possession, it is because frequent comparisons have confirmed opinion in its favour.
Enduring Value. Works that stand the test of time do so because they have been rigorously examined and compared across generations. This longevity isn't due to blind reverence for the past, but rather to the consistent validation of their worth through repeated scrutiny. The true measure of excellence lies not in immediate acclaim, but in the sustained appreciation that arises from continuous comparison and assessment.
Comparative Analysis. Just as one cannot judge the depth of a river without knowing many rivers, the excellence of a work of genius can only be determined through comparison with other works of its kind. This comparative process allows us to understand the unique qualities and lasting impact of a particular creation. Consider Homer's poems, which have been reinterpreted and adapted for centuries, demonstrating their enduring relevance and influence.
Wisdom of the Ages. The reverence for writings that have survived through time stems from the understanding that these works have been thoroughly considered and understood by successive generations. This prolonged engagement ensures that their value is not based on fleeting trends or superficial appeal, but on a deeper, more enduring quality that resonates across different eras and cultures. This is why Shakespeare's plays continue to be studied and performed, offering insights into the human condition that remain relevant today.
2. Shakespeare: A Mirror Reflecting Universal Human Nature
Nothing can please many, and please long, but just representations of general nature.
Universal Appeal. The key to lasting popularity lies in portraying universal aspects of human nature. Works that focus on particular manners or fleeting trends appeal only to a limited audience and quickly become obsolete. Shakespeare's genius lies in his ability to capture the essence of common humanity, creating characters and situations that resonate with audiences across time and cultures.
Timeless Characters. Shakespeare's characters are not defined by specific customs or professions, but by the fundamental passions and principles that drive all human behavior. This universality allows his plays to transcend cultural and historical boundaries, making them accessible and relevant to audiences from different backgrounds. Unlike other writers whose characters are mere individuals, Shakespeare's characters often represent entire species of human behavior.
Practical Wisdom. Shakespeare's plays are filled with practical axioms and domestic wisdom, offering insights into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of everyday life. His real power lies not in isolated passages of brilliance, but in the overall narrative and dialogue that reveal the intricacies of human nature. This is why his works can be seen as a system of civil and economic prudence, providing valuable lessons about how to navigate the world and interact with others.
3. Transcending Dramatic Conventions: The Power of Mixed Genres
Shakespeare's plays are not in the rigorous and critical sense either tragedies or comedies, but compositions of a distinct kind; exhibiting the real state of sublunary nature, which partakes of good and evil, joy and sorrow, mingled with endless variety of proportion and innumerable modes of combination
Realism in Drama. Shakespeare's plays defy strict categorization as either tragedies or comedies, instead offering a more realistic portrayal of life's inherent mix of joy and sorrow. This blending of genres reflects the complexities of the human experience, where good and evil, laughter and tears, are often intertwined. By embracing this duality, Shakespeare creates a more authentic and engaging dramatic experience.
Instruction Through Pleasure. The purpose of writing is to instruct, and the purpose of poetry is to instruct by pleasing. Shakespeare's mixed dramas achieve this by incorporating elements of both tragedy and comedy, offering a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the world. This approach allows him to explore the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences, providing a richer and more meaningful learning experience for the audience.
Interrupted Passions. While some critics argue that the mixing of genres interrupts the progression of passions, Shakespeare demonstrates that these shifts can actually enhance the dramatic impact. The interplay of serious and humorous scenes creates a dynamic and engaging experience, mirroring the unpredictable nature of life itself. This variety keeps the audience engaged and allows for a deeper exploration of the human condition.
4. Comedy as Instinct, Tragedy as Skill
In tragedy he often writes with great appearance of toil and study, what is written at last with little felicity; but in his comick scenes, he seems to produce without labour, what no labour can improve.
Natural Comedian. Shakespeare's comedic scenes appear effortless, as if springing directly from his natural disposition. In contrast, his tragedies often seem labored, lacking the same spark of inspiration. This suggests that Shakespeare's true genius lay in his comedic abilities, where he could create characters and situations that were both funny and insightful.
Tragedy's Toil. While Shakespeare's tragedies may not always reach the same heights as his comedies, they still demonstrate his skill and craftsmanship. He often struggles to incorporate comedic elements into his tragedies, suggesting a desire to balance the serious with the lighthearted. However, it is in his comedies that he truly shines, surpassing expectations and delivering unparalleled wit and humor.
Lasting Laughter. The comedic scenes in Shakespeare's plays have endured through centuries of changing manners and language, proving their timeless appeal. His characters act on principles rooted in genuine passion, making their joys and sorrows relatable to audiences across different eras. This enduring quality of his comedy solidifies his reputation as a master of the genre.
5. Language as a Living, Evolving Entity
If there be, what I believe there is, in every nation, a stile which never becomes obsolete, a certain mode of phraseology so consonant and congenial to the analogy and principles of its respective language as to remain settled and unaltered; this stile is probably to be sought in the common intercourse of life, among those who speak only to be understood, without ambition of elegance.
Timeless Style. Every language possesses a core style that remains constant over time, rooted in the everyday speech of those who prioritize clarity over elegance. This enduring style is found in the common interactions of people who speak simply to be understood, without seeking to impress or distinguish themselves. Shakespeare's comic dialogue captures this essence, making it accessible and enjoyable for audiences across generations.
Vulgar vs. Refined. While the polite and learned often seek to innovate and refine language, true propriety resides in the conversation that exists above grossness and below excessive refinement. Shakespeare's ability to tap into this middle ground makes his work more relatable and enduring than that of authors who strive for artificial elegance or intellectual complexity. He avoids the extremes of vulgarity and pretension, finding a balance that resonates with a wide audience.
Master of Language. Shakespeare's mastery of language lies in his ability to capture the natural rhythms and expressions of everyday speech. This makes his work more accessible and engaging for modern audiences, who can still appreciate the humor and wit of his comic dialogue. He deserves to be studied as one of the original masters of the English language, whose work continues to inspire and influence writers today.
6. Moral Purpose: A Writer's Paramount Duty
He sacrifices virtue to convenience, and is so much more careful to please than to instruct, that he seems to write without any moral purpose.
Beyond Entertainment. A writer's responsibility extends beyond mere entertainment; it is their duty to improve the world through their work. While Shakespeare's writings may contain elements of social duty, they often lack a clear moral compass, failing to consistently reward virtue and punish wickedness. This absence of a defined moral purpose is a significant flaw in his work.
Justice and Virtue. Justice is a virtue that transcends time and place, and it is the writer's duty to uphold it in their work. Shakespeare's failure to consistently demonstrate a clear preference for good over evil undermines the potential for his plays to inspire moral behavior. He often presents characters who navigate between right and wrong without clear consequences, leaving the audience to interpret their actions without guidance.
Missed Opportunities. Shakespeare's plots are often loosely formed, and he misses opportunities to instruct or delight his audience. He seems more concerned with pleasing the crowd than with imparting valuable lessons, resulting in a lack of moral depth in his plays. This is a significant shortcoming, as a writer should always strive to make the world a better place through their work.
7. The Unities: Shackles or Scaffolding?
The necessity of observing the unities of time and place arises from the supposed necessity of making the drama credible.
Credibility vs. Convention. The traditional dramatic unities of time and place are based on the idea that they enhance the credibility of a play. Critics argue that it is impossible for an audience to believe that months or years pass in a few hours, or that the action shifts between distant locations. However, this assumption is flawed, as audiences are always aware that they are watching a representation, not reality.
Suspension of Disbelief. The true power of drama lies in its ability to evoke emotions and insights, not in its literal believability. Audiences willingly suspend their disbelief, accepting the conventions of the theater in order to engage with the story. The limitations imposed by the unities can actually hinder the playwright's ability to explore complex themes and narratives.
Freedom of Imagination. Shakespeare's disregard for the unities allows him to create more expansive and imaginative worlds, unconstrained by the limitations of time and space. This freedom enables him to explore the full range of human experience, offering a richer and more meaningful dramatic experience. The unities, therefore, are not essential to a just drama and should be sacrificed for the sake of variety and instruction.
8. The Context of Creation: Understanding Shakespeare's World
Every man's performances, to be rightly estimated, must be compared with the state of the age in which he lived, and with his own particular opportunities
Historical Perspective. To accurately assess an artist's work, it is essential to consider the historical context in which it was created. Shakespeare's plays must be understood in relation to the social, cultural, and intellectual climate of Elizabethan England. This includes the state of the English nation, the level of education, and the prevailing tastes and preferences of the audience.
Emerging from Barbarity. During Shakespeare's time, England was still emerging from a period of relative barbarity, with literature and learning largely confined to scholars and the elite. The public was generally uneducated, and popular entertainment often consisted of sensational stories and fantastical tales. This context influenced Shakespeare's choice of plots and his use of spectacle and dramatic effects.
Limited Resources. Shakespeare's access to resources and knowledge was limited compared to modern writers. He relied heavily on borrowed plots and historical chronicles, adapting them to suit the tastes of his audience. Despite these limitations, he was able to create works of enduring genius, demonstrating the power of his imagination and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
9. The Editor's Task: A Balancing Act of Preservation and Interpretation
To alter is more easy than to explain, and temerity is a more common quality than diligence.
Preserving the Original. The role of an editor is to preserve the integrity of the original text while making it accessible to modern readers. This requires a delicate balance between explanation and alteration, with a strong emphasis on diligence and careful consideration. It is easier to change the text than to understand it, but true scholarship demands a commitment to preserving the author's original intent.
Navigating Corruption. Shakespeare's texts have been corrupted by numerous errors and inconsistencies, due to the practices of transcription, printing, and acting. Editors must carefully collate different versions of the plays, identify and correct errors, and provide explanations of obscure passages. This requires a deep understanding of the language, culture, and historical context of Shakespeare's time.
Humility and Caution. Conjectural criticism, while sometimes necessary, should be approached with humility and caution. Editors must resist the temptation to impose their own interpretations on the text, and instead strive to understand the author's original meaning. The goal is to illuminate the text, not to rewrite it according to personal preferences.
10. The Enduring Power of Shakespeare: Beyond Commentary
He was read, admired, studied, and imitated, while he was yet deformed with all the improprieties which ignorance and neglect could accumulate upon him; while the reading was yet not rectified, nor his allusions understood
Transcending Imperfection. Shakespeare's works have captivated audiences for centuries, even in imperfect and corrupted forms. His genius shines through despite the errors and obscurities that have accumulated over time. This enduring appeal speaks to the power of his characters, his language, and his insights into the human condition.
The Essence of Greatness. Even before his works were meticulously edited and analyzed, Shakespeare was recognized as a literary giant. Dryden praised his comprehensive soul and his ability to capture the essence of nature. This innate greatness transcends the need for extensive commentary, as his plays continue to resonate with readers and audiences on a visceral level.
A Legacy of Influence. Shakespeare's influence on literature, language, and culture is immeasurable. His works have inspired countless writers, artists, and thinkers, and his characters and stories have become deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. Despite the challenges of interpreting his language and understanding his allusions, Shakespeare remains a towering figure in the literary landscape, whose works continue to inspire and challenge us today.
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FAQ
1. What is "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson about?
- Critical Introduction to Shakespeare: The "Preface to Shakespeare" is Samuel Johnson’s influential essay introducing his annotated edition of Shakespeare’s plays, first published in 1765.
- Evaluation of Shakespeare’s Merits and Faults: Johnson analyzes Shakespeare’s strengths and weaknesses as a dramatist, discussing his characters, plots, language, and adherence to dramatic rules.
- Historical and Editorial Context: The preface also surveys the state of Shakespearean scholarship and editing up to Johnson’s time, critiquing previous editors and explaining Johnson’s own editorial approach.
- Reflection on Literary Criticism: Johnson uses Shakespeare as a case study to reflect on broader issues in literary criticism, such as the value of tradition, the role of nature in art, and the limits of critical rules.
2. Why should I read "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson?
- Foundational Literary Criticism: Johnson’s preface is a cornerstone of English literary criticism, shaping how generations have read and understood Shakespeare.
- Insight into Shakespeare’s Genius: The essay offers a balanced, nuanced appreciation of Shakespeare’s artistry, making it valuable for students, scholars, and general readers.
- Historical Perspective: It provides a window into 18th-century attitudes toward literature, drama, and the process of editing classic texts.
- Model of Critical Thinking: Johnson’s method—fair, candid, and reasoned—serves as a model for how to approach literary analysis and criticism.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson?
- Shakespeare as Poet of Nature: Johnson argues that Shakespeare’s enduring appeal lies in his faithful representation of universal human nature, not just the customs of his own time.
- Strengths and Weaknesses: While praising Shakespeare’s characters, dialogue, and dramatic variety, Johnson also points out his faults, such as loose plotting, lack of moral purpose, and occasional obscurity.
- Rules vs. Genius: Johnson contends that strict adherence to classical unities (time, place, action) is less important than capturing the variety and complexity of real life.
- Editorial Challenges: The preface discusses the difficulties of editing Shakespeare’s texts, given their transmission history and the errors of previous editors.
4. How does Samuel Johnson define Shakespeare’s greatness in "Preface to Shakespeare"?
- Mirror of Life: Johnson calls Shakespeare “the poet of nature,” emphasizing his ability to depict characters and situations that resonate across ages and cultures.
- Universal Characters: He notes that Shakespeare’s characters are not mere individuals but types representing general human passions and principles.
- Dialogue and Realism: Johnson praises Shakespeare’s dialogue for its naturalness and adaptability to real-life situations, contrasting it with the artificiality of other dramatists.
- Variety and Instruction: Shakespeare’s plays, according to Johnson, offer both entertainment and practical wisdom, blending comedy and tragedy to reflect the mixed nature of human experience.
5. What criticisms does Samuel Johnson make of Shakespeare in "Preface to Shakespeare"?
- Loose Plot Construction: Johnson observes that Shakespeare’s plots are often carelessly formed and sometimes neglected toward the end.
- Moral Ambiguity: He criticizes Shakespeare for not always promoting virtue or punishing vice, and for lacking a clear moral purpose.
- Violations of Time and Place: Johnson notes Shakespeare’s disregard for the classical unities, giving modern customs to ancient characters and mixing different eras.
- Obscurity and Quibbles: He points out Shakespeare’s tendency toward obscure language, forced metaphors, and excessive wordplay (quibbles), sometimes at the expense of clarity and dignity.
6. How does Samuel Johnson address the issue of the classical unities in "Preface to Shakespeare"?
- Unity of Action Upheld: Johnson argues that Shakespeare generally maintains unity of action, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Time and Place Unities Rejected: He dismisses the necessity of unity of time and place, claiming that audiences willingly suspend disbelief and do not mistake the stage for reality.
- Variety Over Rules: Johnson believes that the richness and variety of Shakespeare’s drama outweigh the benefits of strict adherence to classical rules.
- Imagination and Drama: He asserts that the imagination can easily accommodate shifts in time and place, making rigid unities unnecessary for dramatic credibility.
7. What is Samuel Johnson’s view on Shakespeare’s use of language and style in "Preface to Shakespeare"?
- Natural and Durable Language: Johnson praises Shakespeare’s use of a style rooted in common speech, making his works more accessible and enduring.
- Occasional Ruggedness: He acknowledges that Shakespeare’s language can sometimes be rough, obscure, or inflated, especially in narration and set speeches.
- Quibbles and Conceits: Johnson criticizes Shakespeare’s fondness for puns and wordplay, which he feels often detract from the seriousness of the drama.
- Balance of Praise and Critique: While recognizing linguistic faults, Johnson maintains that Shakespeare’s overall mastery of dialogue and expression is unmatched.
8. How does Samuel Johnson evaluate the editorial history of Shakespeare’s works in "Preface to Shakespeare"?
- Survey of Previous Editors: Johnson reviews the contributions and shortcomings of earlier editors like Rowe, Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, and Warburton.
- Textual Corruption: He details the many errors introduced by careless transcription, printing, and editing, which have obscured Shakespeare’s original text.
- Johnson’s Editorial Principles: Johnson emphasizes fidelity to the earliest texts, cautious emendation, and the importance of explanatory notes for difficult passages.
- Limits of Criticism: He warns against excessive conjecture and the temptation to “improve” Shakespeare, advocating for a balanced, respectful approach.
9. What advice does Samuel Johnson give to readers and critics of Shakespeare in "Preface to Shakespeare"?
- Read for Pleasure First: Johnson suggests that new readers should enjoy Shakespeare’s plays without being distracted by notes or commentary.
- Use Notes Judiciously: He acknowledges the value of explanatory notes but cautions that they can interrupt the flow and enjoyment of the plays.
- Critical Humility: Johnson advises critics to approach Shakespeare with candor and without dogmatic reverence, recognizing both his merits and faults.
- Context Matters: He reminds readers to consider the historical and cultural context of Shakespeare’s time when evaluating his works.
10. What are some of the most notable quotes from "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson, and what do they mean?
- “Shakespeare is, above all writers, at least above all modern writers, the poet of nature.”
Johnson means that Shakespeare’s genius lies in his ability to depict universal human nature, not just the peculiarities of his own era. - “His characters are not modified by the customs of particular places... they are the genuine progeny of common humanity.”
This highlights Shakespeare’s creation of characters that transcend time and place, making them relatable to all audiences. - “Nothing can please many, and please long, but just representations of general nature.”
Johnson argues that lasting literary greatness depends on truth to universal experience, not on novelty or fashion. - “He sacrifices virtue to convenience, and is so much more careful to please than to instruct, that he seems to write without any moral purpose.”
Here, Johnson criticizes Shakespeare for sometimes prioritizing entertainment over moral instruction.
11. How does Samuel Johnson’s "Preface to Shakespeare" influence later Shakespeare criticism and literary studies?
- Foundation for Modern Criticism: Johnson’s balanced approach—praising Shakespeare’s strengths while acknowledging his faults—set a precedent for later critics.
- Emphasis on Human Nature: His focus on Shakespeare’s universality and psychological insight became central themes in subsequent literary analysis.
- Editorial Standards: Johnson’s discussion of textual corruption and editorial responsibility influenced the development of scholarly editing practices.
- Debate on Dramatic Rules: His arguments against the strict classical unities encouraged greater flexibility and appreciation for dramatic variety in English literature.
12. What are some specific examples of Johnson’s critical method in his notes on Shakespeare’s plays?
- Close Reading of Passages: Johnson provides detailed commentary on difficult or ambiguous lines, offering interpretations and sometimes suggesting emendations.
- Historical and Linguistic Context: He explains archaic words, references, and customs, making the plays more accessible to modern readers.
- Balanced Judgment: In his notes, Johnson often weighs the merits of previous editors’ suggestions, accepting or rejecting them with reasoned argument.
- Moral and Psychological Insight: His comments frequently explore the motivations and moral implications of characters’ actions, as seen in his discussions of Isabella in "Measure for Measure" or Falstaff in "Henry IV."
Review Summary
Preface to Shakespeare receives mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Many readers appreciate Johnson's insightful critique of Shakespeare's works, praising his balanced approach and eloquent writing style. Some find the preface challenging to read due to its 18th-century language and academic nature. Critics commend Johnson's analysis of Shakespeare's characters, themes, and literary techniques. However, a few readers express disappointment, finding the content dry or difficult to engage with. Overall, the preface is considered a significant work of literary criticism, offering valuable perspectives on Shakespeare's genius and flaws.
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