Life of Cowley | Samuel Johnson | Study Guide

Author: Samuel Johnson

 

Year: 1779

 

Type: Biographical Essay

 

Genre: Literary criticism, Biography

 

About "Life of Cowley":

Samuel Johnson's "Life of Cowley" is a biographical essay that provides a detailed account of the life and works of Abraham Cowley, a prominent English poet of the 17th century. Johnson's essay offers readers insight into Cowley's upbringing, education, literary career, and enduring legacy in English literature.

 

Characters:

Abraham Cowley: The subject of the biography, a renowned English poet and essayist of the 17th century.

Samuel Johnson: The author of the biographical essay, a distinguished literary critic, and essayist known for his seminal work, "A Dictionary of the English Language."

 

Summary:

In "Life of Cowley," Samuel Johnson traces the life and literary career of Abraham Cowley, offering readers a comprehensive portrait of the poet and his contributions to English literature. Johnson begins by providing background information on Cowley's early life, education, and intellectual influences, highlighting the poet's precocious talent and academic achievements.

 

Johnson proceeds to discuss Cowley's literary output, including his poetry, essays, and prose works, analyzing the themes, styles and influences that shaped Cowley's writing. He explores Cowley's experimentation with various poetic forms and genres, as well as his engagement with contemporary political and philosophical debates.

 

Throughout the essay, Johnson offers critical commentary on Cowley's works, assessing their artistic merit, originality, and enduring relevance. He considers Cowley's place within the literary tradition of his time, examining his influence on subsequent generations of poets and writers.

 

Johnson also provides insights into Cowley's personal life, relationships, and character, shedding light on the man behind the poetry. He discusses Cowley's friendships, patronage networks, and involvement in political and social circles, offering readers a richer understanding of the poet's life and times.

 

Symbols:

Abraham Cowley: Symbolizes the creativity, intellect, and literary ambition of the 17th-century English poet, whose works continue to inspire readers and writers today.

Literary legacy: Represents the enduring impact of Cowley's poetry and prose on English literature, highlighting the importance of his contributions to the literary canon.

Biographical details: Symbolize the complexities of human experience and the interplay between life and art, enriching readers' appreciation of Cowley's work within the context of his personal and historical circumstances.

 

Themes:

Artistic creativity: "Life of Cowley" explores themes of artistic creativity, expression, and innovation, examining Cowley's poetic achievements and contributions to English literature.

Literary criticism: The essay engages in literary criticism, offering readers critical insights into Cowley's works, themes, and stylistic techniques, as well as his place within the literary tradition.

Biographical exploration: Johnson's biography delves into the complexities of Cowley's life and character, exploring the personal, social, and historical factors that influenced the poet's writing and worldview.

 

In "Life of Cowley," Samuel Johnson offers readers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the life and works of Abraham Cowley, celebrating the poet's contributions to English literature while providing critical analysis and biographical context. Through his nuanced portrait of Cowley, Johnson invites readers to appreciate the richness and complexity of one of the most influential poets of the 17th century.