Merits and Demerits of Shakespeare in Johnson's essay Preface to Shakespeare

Merits and Demerits of Shakespeare in Johnson's essay Preface to Shakespeare

Samuel Johnson, the renowned 18th-century English writer and critic, wrote extensively about William Shakespeare in his work “Preface to Shakespeare.” In this preface, Johnson discusses both the merits and demerits of Shakespeare as a playwright. Here’s a summary of some of Johnson’s points:

Merits of Shakespeare:

1. Observation of Life: Johnson praises Shakespeare’s deep understanding of human nature and his ability to accurately portray various aspects of life.

2. Diversity of Characters: He admires Shakespeare’s wide range of characters, from kings to clowns, all vividly and realistically drawn.

3. Language and Versatility: Johnson applauds Shakespeare’s mastery of language, noting his use of blank verse, rhymed verse, and prose to suit different scenes and characters.

4. Inventiveness: Shakespeare’s creativity and originality in plot development and character creation are highlighted as strong points.

5. Impact on English Drama: Johnson recognizes Shakespeare’s profound influence on the development of English drama, praising his contributions to the art form.

Demerits of Shakespeare:

1. Lack of Classical Unities: Johnson criticizes Shakespeare for not adhering to the classical unities of time, place, and action as prescribed by Aristotle.

2. Irregularities in Plot Structure: He notes that Shakespeare’s plots sometimes lack the coherence and strict structure found in the works of some of his contemporaries.

3. Occasional Obscurities: Johnson points out that Shakespeare’s language can be difficult to understand at times due to his use of obscure words or expressions.

4. Inconsistencies: Shakespeare’s inconsistencies in character portrayal and occasional errors in geography or history are mentioned as areas of criticism.

5. Excessive Wordplay: Johnson suggests that Shakespeare’s fondness for puns and wordplay, while often clever, can sometimes distract from the main narrative.

Overall, Johnson’s assessment of Shakespeare is one of high praise for his profound insights into human nature, his unmatched creativity, and his lasting impact on English literature. At the same time, he offers a balanced view by acknowledging areas where Shakespeare’s work may fall short of the standards set by classical rules or his contemporaries.