logo

61 pages 2 hours read

James Boswell

The Life of Samuel Johnson

James BoswellNonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1791

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Important Quotes

Quotation Mark Icon

“My master whipt me very well. Without that, Sir, I should have done nothing.”


(
Birth-Age 16
, Page 34)

Johnson recalls his schooling and the prominence of corporal punishment. Throughout the book Johnson defends corporal punishment of children as an incitement for them to work harder at their studies; he does so in particular when Boswell is engaged in defending a schoolteacher accused of mistreating his pupils.

Quotation Mark Icon

“[…] this is the most sensible man that I ever saw in my life.”


(
Ages 22-26
, Page 68)

Tetty, who will later become Johnson’s wife, says this to her daughter upon first meeting Johnson. She is able to look past his peculiar looks and mannerisms and see his extraordinary mind. Johnson, in turn, values Tetty for her judgment and understanding.

Quotation Mark Icon

“Mr. Johnson, I do indeed come from Scotland, but I cannot help it.”

“That, Sir, I find, is what a very great many of your countrymen cannot help.”


(
Age 54
, Page 277)

Johnson and Boswell have this emblematic exchange when they first meet. It illustrates Johnson’s disdain for Scotland and frequent good-natured ribbing of the Scottish. Despite being Scottish, Boswell wins Johnson over—and eventually succeeds in getting Johnson to visit his native country. This was an era when many Scots were emigrating to England for various reasons, and Johnson’s quip implies that their country is so bad that they are obliged to forsake it for England.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 61 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools