The Life of Samuel Johnson

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?