Life of Cowley - Part C

  • Consider Johnson's "The Life of Cowley" as a literary criticism. [NU. 2016, 2020]

Samuel Johnson's "The Life of Cowley" can indeed be considered a significant piece of literary criticism. In this biographical work, Johnson displays the life and works of the poet Abraham Cowley and his literary contributions.

Johnson evaluates Cowley's poetic style and technique, discussing his use of language, imagery, and form. He acknowledges Cowley's skill in adopting the metaphysical style, characterized by its use of elaborate conceits and intellectual wit. He discusses Cowley's exploration of themes such as love, nature, and mortality. He discusses Cowley's relationship with poets such as John Donne and George Herbert, considering their influence on his work.


Throughout "The Life of Cowley," Johnson offers both praise and criticism of Cowley's poetry. He appreciates Cowley's talent and metaphysical style, but also points out where Cowley's writing might lack clarity, coherence, or emotional impact.


Johnson understood that Abraham Cowley was greatly influenced by Edmund Spenser’s ‘The Faerie Queene’ and he had a great desire to be an epic writer. As a critic, Johnson upholds the merits and demerits of Cowley at the time of writing Cowley’s biography. He appreciated Cowley’s engagement at Paris where Cowley got a chance to work as a secretary to Lord Jermyne. He had an opportunity to manage important things with men and women. There he wrote letters to the Earl of Arlington which brought his reputation.


As a critic, Samuel Johnson upholds the shortcomings of Cowley in writing poetry which paves the way of his purification. Wit used by Cowley is appreciated by the readers. Wit is the driving force of his thoughts which lack new and natural concepts. Johnson emphasises on just noble and perfect concepts in writing poetry. He overwhelmingly appreciates the poems of Cowley and makes him a great metaphysical poet but does not hesitate a bit to expose the shortcomings and failings in his writing.


"The Life of Cowley" serves as both a biography of the poet and a work of literary criticism.