Comparing Themes in Samuel Johnson's Criticism and Romanticism

📚 Comparing Themes in Samuel Johnson's Criticism and Romanticism: A Comprehensive Guide

Samuel Johnson, a prominent figure of the Neoclassical era, and the Romantics, who emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, held distinct views on literature and art. Understanding these differences requires examining their core beliefs and values.

🏛️ Defining Samuel Johnson's Criticism

Johnson's criticism is rooted in reason, morality, and adherence to established literary conventions. He emphasized clarity, precision, and didacticism in writing.

• 🔍 Emphasis on Reason and Order: Johnson believed that literature should be governed by reason and logic. He valued works that reflected the order and harmony of the universe.
• ⚖️ Moral Didacticism: Johnson saw literature as a tool for moral instruction. He believed that writers had a responsibility to promote virtue and condemn vice.
• 📜 Adherence to Classical Rules: Johnson was a proponent of classical literary forms and conventions. He admired writers like Virgil and Horace and believed that contemporary writers should emulate their style and techniques.
• ✍️ Emphasis on Clarity and Precision: Johnson valued clarity and precision in language. He believed that writers should strive to express their ideas in a clear and unambiguous manner.

🌌 Defining Romanticism

Romanticism, in contrast, celebrated emotion, imagination, and the individual experience. It rejected the constraints of reason and embraced the power of nature and the supernatural.

• 💖 Emphasis on Emotion and Imagination: Romantics believed that emotion and imagination were essential sources of artistic inspiration. They valued works that evoked strong feelings and explored the inner world of the individual.
• 🌱 Celebration of Nature: Romantics saw nature as a source of beauty, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. They often depicted natural landscapes in their works and celebrated the power and majesty of the natural world.
• 🙋 Emphasis on Individualism: Romantics valued individual expression and autonomy. They rejected the conformity and social constraints of the Enlightenment and celebrated the uniqueness of each individual.
• ✨ Interest in the Supernatural and the Exotic: Romantics were often drawn to the supernatural, the mysterious, and the exotic. They explored themes of magic, folklore, and the occult in their works.

🕰️ Historical Context and Background

Johnson's criticism was shaped by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order, while Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's perceived limitations. The French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution also played a significant role in shaping Romantic ideals.

🔑 Key Principles and Themes Compared

The following table highlights the contrasting themes in Johnson's criticism and Romanticism:

🎭 Real-World Examples

• 📖 Johnson's Criticism of Shakespeare: Johnson admired Shakespeare's genius but criticized his disregard for classical rules and his tendency to mix tragedy and comedy.
• 🏞️ Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey": This poem exemplifies Romanticism's celebration of nature and its emphasis on the individual's emotional experience. The poem describes the poet's reflections on returning to a favorite natural spot after a period of absence and explores the impact of nature on his emotional and spiritual development.
• 👻 Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner": This poem showcases Romanticism's interest in the supernatural and the exotic. It tells the story of a sailor who shoots an albatross and is subsequently cursed, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

💡 Conclusion

Samuel Johnson's criticism and Romanticism represent contrasting approaches to literature and art. Johnson emphasized reason, morality, and adherence to classical rules, while the Romantics celebrated emotion, imagination, and the individual experience. Understanding these differences provides valuable insight into the evolution of literary thought and the diverse ways in which humans have sought to understand and express their world.