61 pages • 2-hour read
The Life of Samuel Johnson
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.
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Index of Terms
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
Essay Topics
Boswell argues that Johnson is not only a great writer but a great human being as well. Do you agree? Why or why not? Do you think that artistic or intellectual genius can make up for personal flaws?
Scholars have argued whether the Life constitutes a true biography or not. Do you consider it to perform the function of a biography?
In your opinion, why might Boswell have chosen to chronicle Johnson’s life in such detail? Does this level of detail enhance the work, in your view?
Are you convinced by Boswell’s claim to have recorded Johnson’s actual conversations? Why or why not?
Write a paragraph discussing how the circumstances of Johnson’s childhood affect his later life.
Write a paragraph contrasting Johnson’s and Boswell’s views of slavery and the slave trade.
How does Boswell view Johnson’s personal flaws? How does he treat them in the narrative?
Is there any part or side of Johnson’s life that would like to know more about?
In your view, does the Life have a conventional climax? If so, what is it?
Based on evidence in the text, which of Johnson’s writings is the most significant in the eyes of his contemporaries? Which of his writings would you most like to read?
Unlock all 61 pages of this Study Guide
Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.
- Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
- Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
- Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs