Summary
Samuel Johnson's *The Lives of the Poets* (also known as *The Principal Lives of the English Poets*) presents a critical evaluation of English poets from the 17th and 18th centuries, asserting that true poetic merit lies not solely in imaginative flights but in the clear expression of useful truths and sound morality. Johnson analyzes their lives and works through the lens of his Augustan sensibility, valuing reason, order, and didactic purpose. He champions poets like Milton for their intellectual depth and Dryden for their polished verse, while often criticizing those he deems overly sentimental or obscure, thereby establishing a canonical hierarchy based on his prevailing literary ideals.
Readers gain an understanding of Johnson's authoritative literary criticism and his influence on subsequent aesthetic judgments. The biographical approach, integrated with critical analysis, reveals how life experiences and character shaped poetic output, offering insights into the development of English poetry during a pivotal era. Johnson's judgments, though at times contentious, illuminate the criteria for literary excellence as understood by a leading Enlightenment figure, providing a historical perspective on literary taste and the enduring qualities of significant poetry.
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Key concepts
- Augustanism — A literary movement emphasizing reason, order, clarity, and classical forms, often with a focus on social and moral instruction.
- Didacticism — The belief that literature should have a moral or instructional purpose, teaching readers valuable lessons.
- Wit — In the context of Johnson's criticism, a keenness of intellect and an ability to express ideas cleverly and concisely.
- Poetic Diction — The specific language and vocabulary used by poets, which Johnson often judged based on its clarity and appropriateness.