61 pages • 2 hours read
James BoswellA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Index of Terms
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
In September 1777, Boswell and Johnson travel to Ashbourne, where they stay at the home of Dr. Taylor, a schoolmate of Johnson’s. Boswell observes that Johnson during the Ashbourne trip is “more uniformly social, cheerful, and alert, than I had almost ever seen him” (867).
Johnson and Boswell engage in extensive conversation while at Dr. Taylor’s house. Boswell defends acting as a fine art—in his performances, David Garrick “can represent exalted characters, and touch the noblest passions” (863). Johnson makes a mockery of this idea, claiming that acting is not a high art and is something that anyone can do. Johnson’s disdain for actors is a motif throughout the Life.
In this instance, Boswell comes away from the conversation certain that he has “the best side of the argument” and that Johnson is merely using mockery and “fallacious reasoning” (863) to make his point. As presented by Boswell, this exchange illustrates Johnson’s occasional propensity to rely on bombast and faulty reasoning in his arguments, as well as Boswell’s confidence in his own views. Boswell’s writing here creates an exclusive bond with his readers, and he gives the impression of confiding in them, sure that they will see the correctness of his view.
Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Aging
View Collection
Books About Art
View Collection
Books & Literature
View Collection
British Literature
View Collection
European History
View Collection
Friendship
View Collection
Guilt
View Collection
Inspiring Biographies
View Collection
National Suicide Prevention Month
View Collection
Philosophy, Logic, & Ethics
View Collection
Religion & Spirituality
View Collection
School Book List Titles
View Collection
Truth & Lies
View Collection