English writer, critic, lexicographer, and conversationalist, Samuel Johnson was one of the most brilliant and prolific literary figures of his day. (Literary critics sometimes characterize the 18th century as the days of Johnson.) This concise analysis of the writing style of Jonathan Swift initiatory appe bed in Johnsons ten-volume Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-1781). After edition Swifts A Modest Proposal, decide if you agree with Johnsons assessment of Swifts style.
On the Style of Jonathan Swift
by Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
In [Swifts] works, he has given real different specimens both of sentiment and expression. His Tale of a vat has little resemblance to his other(a) pieces. It exhibits a vehemence and rapidity of mind, a copiousness of images, and vivacity of diction, such as he afterward never possessed, or never exerted. It is of a mode so distinct and peculiar, that it must be considered by itself; what is true of that, is non true of either thing else which he has written.
In his other works is found an equable tenor of easy language, which quite an trickles than flows. His delight was in simplicity. That he has in his works no metaphor, as has been said, is not true; but his few metaphors front to be received rather by necessity than choice.
He studied purity; and though perhaps all his strictures are not exact, yet it is not often that solecisms can be found; and whoever depends on his authority may generally cerebrate himself safe. His sentences are never too much dilated or assure; and it will not be easy to find any embarrassment in the complication of his clauses, any inconsequence in his connections, or abruptness in his transitions.
His style was well desirable to his thoughts, which are never subtilised by nice disquisitions, decorated by sparkling conceits, elevated by ambitious sentences, or calico by far-sought learning. He pays no court to the passions; he excites uncomplete surprise nor admiration; he always...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay
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