Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): “From Milton” (1779-81)

Introduction

In this piece, Johnson uses his knack for language and an expert understanding of human nature to explore Milton's struggle between reason and passion. He raises important questions about the divide between faith and knowledge, anticipating many great thinkers through the centuries.

Context: Johnson's Life and Works

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) is an influential figure in both literature and culture. Born in England, Johnson is most well-known for his critical work, “The Lives of the English Poets” and for his Dictionary of the English Language, one of the first English language dictionaries.

“From Milton” (1779-81) is an essay written by Johnson late in his life about John Milton's (1608-1674) career and writings. In this essay, Johnson writes about how Milton was able to combine classical forms such as epic poetry with modern methods to create a more complex style of poetry. Throughout the essay, Johnson examines how Milton’s works reflect changing attitudes and tastes during the seventeenth century.

In many ways, “From Milton” expands upon Johnson’s analysis of Milton begun in “Lives of the Poets", which was also influenced by eighteenth-century British literature. In particular, Johnson uses this essay to look at how Milton's works represent what Johnson saw as a lack of progress in literary culture during his time.

What Is “From Milton”?

Samuel Johnson’s “From Milton” is a collection of annotations and criticism on the works of 17th-century English poet John Milton. Johnson, who was renowned for his work in literature and literary criticism, spent over two years creating this hefty project of over 500 pages.

The book includes Johnson's own annotations as well as commentary on and translations from various languages spanning from Ancient Greek to Latin to French. Not only does he analyze Milton's works, Johnson also provides historical and biographical information related to them and comes up with some theories on where they drew inspiration from.

In addition to providing a comprehensive analysis of Milton's works, “From Milton” is also noted for its engaging prose style. While still rooted in criticism, Johnson writes in such a way that makes the book accessible to all readers, not just the academic elite.

A Critical Analysis of Its Structure and Meaning

If you take a closer look at the structure of "From Milton", you'll realize that it's a reflection of Johnson's deep respect for his literary ancestors. Johnson wrote in the preface of his work that it was written: “to excite devotion to the great Masters of Antiquity”. He structured this poem as a dialog between Mankind and an old man from antiquity, who represents the poets of past generations.

In this poem, Johnson compares Milton's poetry with that of ancient poets like Homer and Virgil. Throughout the poem, Johnson emphasizes the idea that Milton is part of literary tradition and it shows how much he admired him for succeeding with something that is so difficult to accomplish in the modern world: writing classic literature.

The first two stanzas introduce these two characters discussing how great antiquity is and how we should cherish it; this serves as an introduction to explain why we need to valorize Milton’s poetry. In the following stanzas, Mankind further argues why modern-day poetry is not on par with ancient works and questions why Milton will not be remembered like his predecessors. In contrast, the old man proclaims that modern writers can achieve such greatness if they put in more effort.

In the final stanza, Johnson brings together Mankind's argument by saying "life's short span forbids to distant fame" (line 67), showing its futility in comparison to eternity that is often associated with literature at its greatest level. Therefore, Johnson suggests that no matter how hard we work, our efforts may be forgotten but Milton’s will remain immortal at least as long as people remember or read classic literature.

The Reception of the Work in Its Time

The poetry in Samuel Johnson's “From Milton” was certainly a hit in its own time. The two volumes of the work were published in 1779-1781 and were widely read by the English public. In fact, revisions were necessary due to the overwhelming number of subscribers who requested copies. Curiously, when the work was published, it received some harsh criticism from a few patronizing reviewers who did not appreciate Johnson's unique style or his updating of Milton's classic works.

Despite these criticisms, “From Milton” was widely praised for its elegance and precision. For example, Henry Fielding wrote that he found Johnson’s writing to be “the finest specimen of critical components that I have had the happiness to peruse." Similarly, Edmund Burke exclaimed that Johnson had achieved a “singular conjunction of genius and learning."

The work proved popular with both literati and general readers alike it was even quoted by Thomas Jefferson in his first inaugural address in 1801 It is clear that Johnson succeeded in his main goal: to bring Milton's classic works into the modern era with his own style of poetic elegance.

How "From Milton" Influenced European Literature

Samuel Johnson's "From Milton" is considered a major influence on European literature, in particular the Romantic and Enlightenment movements.

Johnson’s Rhetoric

Johnson's famous rhetorical style was based on his ability to challenge the audience's opinions and beliefs while offering rational arguments for his own. This intellectual rigor made it possible for him to critique Milton's work without being seen as disrespectful. By challenging Milton’s work in a respectful manner, Johnson actually helped to increase its popularity throughout Europe.

Spread of Influence

The success of "From Milton" led to it being translated into multiple languages and being read in countries throughout Europe. This allowed the ideas expressed in the work to spread far beyond England and into various other European countries. Additionally, it helped to make literary criticism more popular as a genre in general, and also encouraged readers to take a closer look at Milton's works.

Johnson’s Legacy

Johnson's legacy has been long-lasting, with his critical analysis of Milton influencing generations of thinkers up until today. His rhetorically powerful arguments have been studied and applied by many contemporary authors, making him one of the most influential figures in British literature.

Its Literary Legacy in the Present Day

You may not realize it, but "From Milton" has left a lasting impression in the literary world. In fact, it is hailed as one of Johnson's greatest works since its first publication.

Themes

The themes of the work humanity's ultimate redemption and growth, finding strength in adversity, and the courage to make difficult decisions still remain relevant today. As such, Johnson's central message of hope resonates with readers from all walks of life.

Tributes and Appreciation

In addition to its enduring themes, Johnson's “From Milton” has earned an impressive literary legacy over time. It is widely read and taught in classes around the world, and has been praised by modern critics for its eloquent writing style and its powerful insight into the human experience.

The poem has even been referred to as a “timeless work” that speaks to its readers on a personal level. In recent years, a number of tributes have been dedicated to Samuel Johnson and “From Milton” by both established authors as well as up-and-coming writers.

Ultimately, "From Milton" is still remembered for being an inspirational poem that champions humanity's greatest virtues: resilience and courage in the face of life's hardships.

Conclusion

Samuel Johnson's "From Milton" is a masterful work of literary criticism that demonstrates Johnson's immense knowledge of the poet's works and his ability to consider how Milton's work resonated with readers in the 18th century. Johnson is able to navigate the complexities of Milton's artistry and provide insight into how his works touched on topics such as religion, morality, and freedom. Additionally, Johnson provides a unique analysis of Milton's imagery and techniques, as well as their influence on later writers. This work serves as a testament to Johnson's brilliance as a literary critic, and it should remain an essential read for anyone looking to better understand the poet's genius.