Final answer:
Samuel Johnson's Preface to Shakespeare examines the playwright's mastery in creating compelling characters and dialogue, acknowledges the dramatic conventions of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, and discusses the evolution of literary criticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Objectives from Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson:
The question relates to the objectives outlined in the Preface to Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson, which discusses the works of William Shakespeare. Johnson provided insights into Shakespeare's plays, acknowledging the playwright's skill in articulating human nature and drama through language. He praised Shakespeare for presenting human characters and motives with remarkable universality and truthfulness, despite criticisms of his plots and occasional lack of realism.
The conventions of the times during which Shakespeare wrote were based on poetic language that resonated with the audience, which Johnson understood. He suggests that despite using familiar narratives or drawing from pre-existing sources, Shakespeare's mastery of dialogue and character development set his works apart. Johnson's preface is critical for understanding not just Shakespeare's intent but also the values and expectations of the audiences of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.
Samuel Johnson also highlighted the growth of literary criticism, noting the emergence of appreciation for the psychology in characters, while also respecting the historical perspectives of older critics who focused on the overall effect of a play. As such, Johnson's preface serves as an insightful starting point for studying Shakespeare's literary impact and his technique of creating effectual drama.