In his "Preface to Shakespeare," Samuel Johnson, an 18th-century English literary critic and lexicographer, addresses the issue of Shakespeare's unique style of blending comic and tragic elements within his plays. Johnson's defense of this mixing of genres reflects his appreciation for Shakespeare's artistic genius and his understanding of the complexity of human experience.
Johnson argues that Shakespeare's combination of the comic and tragic serves to imitate nature more closely. He contends that in real life, joy and sorrow are often intertwined, and the human experience is marked by a combination of laughter and tears. By incorporating both comedic and tragic elements, Shakespeare captures the richness and diversity of life.
Furthermore, Johnson defends Shakespeare against critics who adhere to classical rules of drama, asserting that these rules are not universally applicable. He argues that Shakespeare's genius transcends such rules, and his plays are not bound by the constraints of classical conventions. Johnson acknowledges that Shakespeare may not always adhere to strict unity of time, place, and action, but he argues that these departures contribute to the overall effectiveness of the plays.
Johnson also emphasizes the universality of Shakespeare's characters and themes. He contends that Shakespeare's characters are not confined to specific social classes or historical periods but embody universal human qualities. This universality, Johnson argues, allows the audience to relate to the characters and their struggles, regardless of the differences in time and place.
Moreover, Johnson praises Shakespeare's skill in creating distinct and memorable characters. He notes that the playwright excels in depicting a wide range of personalities, from the lowly to the noble, and that each character contributes to the overall tapestry of the play.
In essence, Johnson's defense of Shakespeare's mixing of comic and tragic elements revolves around the belief that Shakespeare's plays reflect the complexity and diversity of human experience. Johnson celebrates Shakespeare's departure from classical norms, arguing that the playwright's genius lies in his ability to capture the nuances of life, combining laughter and sorrow to create a more authentic representation of the human condition.