The rambler

Definition

The Rambler is a series of essays published by Samuel Johnson in the 1750s, which explored various topics including morality, society, and human behavior. These essays were instrumental in shaping the literary culture of the time and reflected Johnson's views on the importance of moral guidance through literature. The Rambler served as a platform for Johnson to engage with the public, influencing both readers and writers within the Johnsonian circle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Rambler included a total of 208 essays written by Samuel Johnson between 1750 and 1752, making it one of his most significant literary contributions.
2. Johnson wrote The Rambler in response to the growing popularity of periodical essays, aiming to elevate their moral and intellectual standards.
3. The essays often addressed themes of virtue, vice, and the nature of human experience, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives.
4. Through The Rambler, Johnson sought to promote the idea that literature could serve as a means of moral instruction and social reform.
5. The publication helped establish Johnson as a leading figure in 18th-century literary culture and influenced many subsequent writers in England.

Review Questions

• How did The Rambler contribute to the development of literary culture in 18th-century England?
  • The Rambler played a crucial role in shaping 18th-century literary culture by providing a platform for moral and philosophical discussions through its essays. Johnson's exploration of virtue, society, and human behavior encouraged readers to think critically about their own lives and values. By addressing contemporary issues with depth and wit, The Rambler elevated the standards of periodical essays and inspired other writers to engage with similar themes.
• In what ways did The Rambler reflect Samuel Johnson's views on morality and human behavior?
  • The Rambler reflected Samuel Johnson's belief in the power of literature as a tool for moral guidance. Through his essays, Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding virtue and vice while encouraging self-reflection among readers. His focus on human behavior showcased his view that individuals could learn from literature about ethical conduct, making it clear that he saw literature not just as entertainment but as essential for moral development.
• Evaluate the impact of The Rambler on both contemporary writers and future literary movements.
  • The impact of The Rambler on contemporary writers was significant, as it set a precedent for using periodical essays as a means to address moral issues in society. Writers such as Richard Steele and Joseph Addison had already paved the way for this format, but Johnson's work brought an intellectual rigor that inspired future literary movements like Romanticism, which valued personal reflection and moral inquiry. The emphasis on ethics in literature established by The Rambler can be seen echoed in later works where authors continued to explore complex human experiences through a moral lens.

Related terms

periodical essay: A short work published regularly, often featuring commentary on contemporary issues and aiming to inform or entertain its readers.

Samuel Johnson: An influential English writer, lexicographer, and critic whose works significantly impacted 18th-century literature and the development of the English language.

the Idler: Another series of essays by Samuel Johnson, published after The Rambler, that continued to explore similar themes with a more humorous and reflective tone.