Samuel Johnson’s Preface to the Works of Shakespeare (1765) is a landmark work of literary criticism, offering a comprehensive evaluation of Shakespeare’s achievements and enduring significance. Written as an introduction to Johnson’s edition of Shakespeare’s plays, the Preface highlights the playwright’s genius while also identifying his perceived flaws. Johnson’s balanced approach combines admiration for Shakespeare’s creativity and universality with candid critique, establishing a critical standard for evaluating literary greatness.
Universal Appeal and Human Nature
Johnson begins by emphasising Shakespeare’s universal appeal. He praises Shakespeare’s ability to depict human nature in all its diversity, capturing timeless truths about the human condition. Johnson argues that Shakespeare’s characters are not merely figures of a specific time or place but represent universal human experiences. His works endure because they resonate with audiences across generations, reflecting the complexities of human behaviour.
Realism in Characterisation
One of Johnson’s key insights is Shakespeare’s skill in creating realistic and relatable characters. Unlike dramatists who rely on archetypes or idealised figures, Shakespeare’s characters are multidimensional, with strengths, flaws, and contradictions. Johnson admires Shakespeare’s ability to present life as it is, rather than as it should be. This commitment to realism makes his works profoundly authentic and engaging.
Variety and Versatility
Johnson commends Shakespeare’s extraordinary versatility, noting his ability to excel in both tragedy and comedy. His works encompass a wide range of emotions, themes, and styles, demonstrating his creative breadth. Johnson particularly appreciates how Shakespeare blends the serious and the comic, reflecting the complexity of life itself.
Shakespeare’s Moral Vision
Johnson acknowledges Shakespeare’s moral wisdom, describing his works as a repository of practical truths and ethical insights. However, Johnson critiques Shakespeare for occasionally lacking explicit moral guidance, arguing that some of his plays do not clearly reward virtue or punish vice. Despite this, Johnson concludes that Shakespeare’s works generally promote a sound understanding of human nature and morality.
Flaws and Criticism
While Johnson celebrates Shakespeare’s genius, he does not shy away from highlighting his flaws. He criticises Shakespeare for:
- Loose Plot Structures: Johnson observes that Shakespeare often sacrifices narrative coherence for episodic variety.
- Violations of Chronology and Geography: Shakespeare’s plays occasionally exhibit historical and geographical inaccuracies, reflecting a disregard for factual precision.
- Weaknesses in Language: Johnson notes instances of excessive verbosity and obscurity in Shakespeare’s language, which can detract from clarity and impact.
Defence of Shakespeare’s Style
Despite these criticisms, Johnson defends Shakespeare’s use of anachronism and his disregard for the classical unities (time, place, and action). Johnson argues that Shakespeare’s disregard for rigid rules allows him to focus on more significant artistic goals, such as capturing the complexity of human experience.
Shakespeare and the Test of Time
Johnson concludes by asserting that Shakespeare’s enduring popularity is the ultimate proof of his greatness. He argues that works that continue to captivate audiences over centuries possess an intrinsic value that transcends trends and critical opinion.
Balanced Criticism
Johnson’s Preface is remarkable for its balance. Unlike critics who either unconditionally praise or harshly critique Shakespeare, Johnson adopts a nuanced approach. He acknowledges Shakespeare’s flaws while placing them within the context of his unparalleled achievements. This critical objectivity has made the Preface a model for fair and insightful literary analysis.
Emphasis on Universality
Johnson’s emphasis on Shakespeare’s universal appeal is one of the essay’s most enduring insights. By highlighting how Shakespeare captures timeless truths about human nature, Johnson elevates the playwright as a figure whose relevance transcends his historical moment. This universality is a key criterion for literary greatness, as it ensures that works remain meaningful across cultures and generations.
Realism and Complexity
Johnson’s appreciation of Shakespeare’s realistic and multidimensional characters demonstrates his understanding of literature’s capacity to reflect life. His observation that Shakespeare’s characters are “not heroes or villains but men and women” underscores the playwright’s commitment to portraying humanity in all its complexity.
Critique of the Unities
Johnson’s defence of Shakespeare’s departure from the classical unities reflects his progressive critical perspective. He argues that the rigid adherence to rules often stifles creativity and that Shakespeare’s genius lies in his ability to transcend these constraints. This argument foreshadows modern views of artistic freedom and innovation.
Ethical Dimension
While Johnson critiques Shakespeare for sometimes failing to provide clear moral guidance, he also recognises the ethical richness of his works. Shakespeare’s ability to present moral ambiguities and ethical dilemmas aligns with Johnson’s belief that literature should engage with the complexities of life rather than offering simplistic answers.
Critical Style and Rhetoric
Johnson’s prose in the Preface is a masterclass in critical writing. His arguments are lucid, well-structured, and supported by examples from Shakespeare’s plays. His rhetorical skill ensures that even his critiques are framed constructively, reflecting his deep respect for Shakespeare as a literary artist.
Influence and Legacy
The Preface has had a profound impact on subsequent Shakespearean criticism. Johnson’s insights into characterisation, realism, and the relationship between rules and creativity continue to influence modern critical thought. His work has also contributed to the broader understanding of literary greatness, emphasising the importance of universality, complexity, and enduring relevance.
Samuel Johnson’s Preface to the Works of Shakespeare is a landmark in literary criticism, offering a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of Shakespeare’s achievements and limitations. Johnson’s emphasis on universality, realism, and moral vision highlights the enduring significance of Shakespeare’s works, while his candid critique demonstrates a commitment to rigorous and fair analysis. The Preface remains a foundational text for understanding Shakespeare’s art and a testament to Johnson’s critical acumen and literary sensibility.