Preface To Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson – Kitab Mahal

Publisher: Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM

Availability: In Stock
SKU: 26836

Rs.335.00

Rs.420.00

Tags: 18th-century criticism , BS , character analysis , character complexity , classical unities , critical studies , drama and literature , drama as an art , dramatic artistry , dramatic structure , Elizabethan literature , English , English drama , English fiction , English poetic tradition , English Renaissance literature , historical context , human nature , Johnson’s criticism , Kitab Mahal , Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM , literary criticism in the 18th century , literary form and structure , literary genius , literary tradition , literary traditions , moral implications in literature , moral lessons in literature , poetic analysis , Preface to Shakespeare , realism in Shakespeare , Samuel Johnson , Samuel Johnson's preface , Shakespeare and human psychology. , Shakespeare criticism , Shakespeare's emotional depth , Shakespeare's influence , Shakespeare’s characters , Shakespeare’s impact , Shakespeare’s language , Shakespeare’s moral value , Shakespeare’s plays , Shakespeare’s style , Shakespeare’s themes , Text , tragedy and comedy , universal appeal , universal themes in Shakespeare , Urdu Tarjama , With Urdu Translation

Description
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Description

The Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson is one of the most influential critical essays in English literature. Written in 1765, this preface was part of Johnson's edition of Shakespeare's plays and provides a comprehensive analysis of Shakespeare's works. Johnson examines the playwright's artistic genius and discusses the principles of drama, literature, and criticism. He defends Shakespeare against critics who had previously attacked his style and argues for the unique quality of Shakespeare's characters, plots, and language. Johnson’s preface also explores the nature of tragedy and comedy, Shakespeare's understanding of human nature, and the moral implications of his works.

Key Points

Shakespeare’s Universal Appeal
Johnson praises Shakespeare for his ability to represent the full range of human emotions and experiences. He argues that Shakespeare's works appeal to people of all classes and time periods due to their deep psychological insight and universal themes.
Characterization and Human Nature
According to Johnson, Shakespeare's greatest strength lies in his portrayal of characters. His characters, whether heroes or villains, are complex and multi-dimensional, reflecting the full spectrum of human nature.
Shakespeare’s Lack of Formal Structure
Johnson acknowledges Shakespeare’s deviation from classical rules of drama, such as the unities of time, place, and action. Despite this, he defends Shakespeare’s ability to create powerful drama, arguing that Shakespeare’s freedom from these rules allowed for greater creativity and realism.
Shakespeare’s Use of Language
Johnson discusses Shakespeare's masterful use of language, which he believes blends beauty with accessibility. The poet’s ability to create memorable, poignant lines in both tragedy and comedy is one of the most important aspects of his genius.
Shakespeare’s Moral Value
Johnson asserts that while Shakespeare's plays do not always promote moral ideals, they reflect the complexities of human nature and society. The moral lessons in Shakespeare’s works are often subtle, emerging from the consequences of characters' actions rather than overt preaching.