Samuel Johnson wrote this preface in 1765 as an introduction to his edition of William Shakespeare's plays. In this preface, Johnson discusses Shakespeare's works and provides his critical insights. Let me provide you with a summary of Johnson's view on Shakespeare's faults within approximately 490 words.
Samuel Johnson, in his "Preface to Shakespeare," acknowledges the greatness of William Shakespeare as a playwright, but he does not hesitate to point out what he sees as faults or shortcomings in Shakespeare's works.
One of the primary criticisms Johnson raises is related to the irregularity and lack of adherence to the classical unities in Shakespeare's plays. The classical unities, derived from Aristotle's Poetics, emphasize the importance of maintaining unity of time, place, and action in a dramatic work. According to Johnson, Shakespeare often deviates from these unities, creating a mixture of tragic and comic elements, introducing subplots, and allowing a considerable passage of time within the play. Johnson sees this departure from classical principles as a fault, but he also recognizes the effectiveness of Shakespeare's deviations in captivating the audience and creating a more vivid and engaging theatrical experience.
Johnson also comments on the occasional use of puns and wordplay in Shakespeare's plays. While he acknowledges the wit and cleverness displayed in these linguistic devices, he criticizes them for being excessive and at times overshadowing the true substance of the dialogue. Johnson argues that Shakespeare's love for wordplay, though entertaining, can distract from the serious themes and emotions that the plays seek to convey.
Furthermore, Johnson addresses Shakespeare's supposed disregard for the unities of character. He observes that Shakespeare's characters often exhibit inconsistencies and contradictions, which may be seen as a departure from the neoclassical ideal of maintaining consistent and well-defined characters throughout a play. Johnson, however, defends Shakespeare by arguing that these inconsistencies arise from his profound understanding of human nature. He suggests that Shakespeare's characters are more true to life because they reflect the complexity and unpredictability of human behavior.
In addition, Johnson touches upon the use of supernatural elements in Shakespeare's plays, particularly in tragedies such as "Macbeth" and "Hamlet." While acknowledging the effectiveness of these supernatural elements in creating a sense of wonder and fear, Johnson expresses reservations about their compatibility with the main plot. He suggests that the supernatural aspects might sometimes appear forced or disconnected from the overall narrative.
Despite these criticisms, Johnson ultimately praises Shakespeare's genius and artistic prowess. He highlights Shakespeare's ability to capture the essence of human nature, his profound insights into the human condition, and his unmatched skill in crafting language. Johnson sees Shakespeare as a masterful storyteller whose faults, in his view, are overshadowed by the overwhelming brilliance of his works.
In conclusion, Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare" is a nuanced exploration of both the strengths and weaknesses of Shakespeare's plays, offering a balanced and insightful perspective on the enduring legacy of one of the greatest playwrights in literary history.