The prose of the Age of Johnson

 

The prose of the Age of Johnson

1.

1. In the age of Johnson the tradition established by the previous writers was carried forward.

2. The 18th century is called ‘the age of Aristocracy’.

3. The spirit of Aristocracy could be seen in intellect, politics and society. 

4. The intellectual class formed a group and observed specific rules.

5. In prose, this group formed a literary style on the principle of logical thought.

6. The following were the pillars of the age of Johnson, prose writers.

2. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

1. Johnson was the literary dictator of this age.

2. He was an intellectual giant and a sterling character.

3. He was kind and helpful to all.

4. His best-known works are his ‘Dictionary’ and ‘Lives of Poets’.

5. He set a model of a prose style that has rhythm, balance and lucidity.

6. In doing so he preserved the English prose style from degenerating.

7. His style grew out from conversational habits.

8. Therefore it is clear, forceful and frank.

3. Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

1. Burke was one of the most important members of Johnson’s circle.

2. He was a member of Parliament for 30 years.

3. Perhaps that is why he was the most significant political philosopher. 

4. His chief contribution is his speeches.

5. Notable among his works are- ‘Thought on Present Discontent’ and ‘On American Taxation’.

6. His speeches in the sphere of literature are of a high order because of its universality.

7. Burke gave expressions to his ideas that was not only true of the particular age but all ages to come.

4. Edward Gibbon (1737-1749) 

1. Gibbon was the first historian of England in a literary manner.

2. His most significant historical work - ‘The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire’ is said to pass all modern research.

3. His importance in literature is on account of its prose style.

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