Samuel Johnson

Definition

Samuel Johnson was an influential 18th-century English writer, lexicographer, and critic, best known for his dictionary, which set a standard for future dictionaries. His work had a profound impact on the English language and literature, particularly in relation to poetry, including the use of iambic pentameter and blank verse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Samuel Johnson's dictionary, published in 1755, was one of the first comprehensive dictionaries of the English language and included thousands of words and definitions.
2. Johnson had a strong belief in the importance of meter in poetry, emphasizing the use of iambic pentameter as a key structural element in verse.
3. His criticism and essays contributed to the development of literary criticism in English, influencing how poetry and prose were evaluated.
4. Johnson's work paved the way for later poets to experiment with blank verse, making it more popular in English literature.
5. He also famously stated that 'no man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money,' reflecting his pragmatic approach to literature and writing.

Review Questions

• How did Samuel Johnson's contributions to lexicography influence the understanding of iambic pentameter and blank verse?
  • Samuel Johnson's contributions to lexicography provided a clearer understanding of the English language, which included definitions of poetic terms related to meter and verse forms. By compiling comprehensive definitions, he helped writers better grasp the structure and nuances of iambic pentameter and blank verse. This understanding allowed poets to adhere to established forms while also pushing boundaries in their creative expressions.
• Analyze how Samuel Johnson's views on meter impacted the evolution of poetry during his time.
  • Samuel Johnson's emphasis on meter, particularly iambic pentameter, shaped the standards for poetic composition in the 18th century. His belief that rhythm contributed significantly to a poem's effectiveness encouraged poets to adhere to established metrical patterns. This insistence on structure allowed for greater innovation within traditional forms, paving the way for future generations to experiment with blank verse and other poetic structures.
• Evaluate the significance of Samuel Johnson’s literary criticism in shaping modern perspectives on poetic form and its connection to iambic pentameter.
  • Samuel Johnson's literary criticism played a crucial role in shaping modern perspectives on poetic form by advocating for clarity and precision in both language and structure. His insights into iambic pentameter as an essential element of effective poetry encouraged writers to consider how meter influences meaning and emotional impact. By examining how poetic forms interact with themes and subjects, Johnson laid the groundwork for contemporary discussions about the relationship between form and content in poetry.

Related terms

Iambic Pentameter: A metrical pattern in poetry consisting of five feet, each foot having an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable, commonly used in English dramatic and poetic works.

Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter, a form often used by poets and playwrights like Shakespeare, allowing for natural speech patterns while maintaining a structured meter.

Lexicography: The practice of compiling dictionaries and other reference works, a field significantly advanced by Johnson's influential dictionary published in 1755.