Nature vs. Arts: A study of philosophy of Samuel Johnson

The present paper entitled :Nature VS. Arts : A Study of Philosophy of Samuel Johnson, focuses on the idea of nature and art. Dr.Johnson is a prominent figure in a whole range of English literature. The English poet, critic, essay is tand lexicographer, he became famous not only for his writings but also for his forceful stylistics and witty conversation. Herationalises literature and discalls the emotionalism. He revives the rules laid down for the poets by the Greeks and Roman critics. He intelligently applies those theories on literature available at the time. In his critical paper Rambler he spells out the functions and objectives of the poets. He states that basic functions of writer is to highlight morality which are to be Universal therefore it can be said that Johnson believes in writing about species instead of individual. He appreciates Shakespeare because Shakespeare‟s characters are men not English or Romans. Johnson appreciates him for depicting the basic characteristics of a man which can be found anywhere in the world. Johnson opines that no writer can portray life if he eliminates the fortuitous. The great writers of the past investigated literature and art as social phenomena of importance in the dynamic interrelationship with man‟s social and moral existence. A thorough understanding of the relationship of art to life is basic comprehensive and Johnson says that Shakespeare follows the rules of life for art. It is life which sets rules for art. Dr. Johnson is of the view that it is the presence of general truth that gives permanence to a work of art. The main purpose of all art is to discover the principles of truth not to imitate nature.