This edition had all images removed.

Title: Preface to Shakespeare

Note: Reading ease score: 48.8 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Credits: Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Summary: "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson is a critical analysis and commentary on the works of William Shakespeare, written in the mid-18th century. Johnson delves into Shakespeare's literary merit, his understanding of human nature, and the nuances of his storytelling, while also promoting an appreciation for the playwright's timeless relevance in both literature and society. The opening of this work establishes Johnson's intent to critique the common notions surrounding Shakespeare's legacy. He discusses how society often favors the reverence of antiquity over contemporary excellence and investigates the reasons Shakespeare's works continue to endure. Johnson reflects on the nature of Shakespeare's characters, emphasizing their representation of universal human emotions rather than specific traits tied to their contexts. He also critiques the conventions of drama and engages with the historical context of Shakespeare's writing, showcasing his unique ability to blend tragedy with comedy in ways that reflect the realities of life. Through this thoughtful introduction, Johnson sets the stage for a thorough examination of Shakespeare's plays and their enduring significance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784

EBook No.: 5429

Published: Apr 1, 2004

Downloads: 496

Language: English

Subject: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616

LoCC: Language and Literatures: English literature

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

This edition has images.

Title: Preface to Shakespeare

Note: Reading ease score: 48.8 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Credits: Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Summary: "Preface to Shakespeare" by Samuel Johnson is a critical analysis and commentary on the works of William Shakespeare, written in the mid-18th century. Johnson delves into Shakespeare's literary merit, his understanding of human nature, and the nuances of his storytelling, while also promoting an appreciation for the playwright's timeless relevance in both literature and society. The opening of this work establishes Johnson's intent to critique the common notions surrounding Shakespeare's legacy. He discusses how society often favors the reverence of antiquity over contemporary excellence and investigates the reasons Shakespeare's works continue to endure. Johnson reflects on the nature of Shakespeare's characters, emphasizing their representation of universal human emotions rather than specific traits tied to their contexts. He also critiques the conventions of drama and engages with the historical context of Shakespeare's writing, showcasing his unique ability to blend tragedy with comedy in ways that reflect the realities of life. Through this thoughtful introduction, Johnson sets the stage for a thorough examination of Shakespeare's plays and their enduring significance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784

EBook No.: 5429

Published: Apr 1, 2004

Downloads: 496

Language: English

Subject: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616

LoCC: Language and Literatures: English literature

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.