I will attach it as a word file - Essay Example

Discuss how Boswell differentiates between the writing of Joseph Addison and that of Samuel Johnson. In your essay, analyze Boswell’s views of both writers and the devises he uses to convey those views.James Boswell compares the writing of Addison and Johnson at one point in his book on The Life of Samuel Johnson. There are the different ways in which he distinguishes their writing approaches. He claims that Addison has a comfortable style of writing. In the case of Addison, the writer behind the pen seems to be very experienced and mature.

His readers pay heed to his works as if listening to a learned and friendly person. His words discreetly reach his audiences’ mind and convey the intended message. As opposed to his style, Samuel Johnson has a very deliberate tone while he writes. His main aim is to instruct like a teacher and delight his readers like students. His is a dictatorial style taught from the pulpit of academia. Although the readers admire Johnson’s authoritative articulacy, Addison’ delicate method has its own pleasure.

It has a constant impression on the readers unlike Johnson’s, which initially touches the readers like a strong fluid in the body but later has a soothing effect. A good example is that of the pauses he gives in his writing. They leave a lasting impact on the listener and act like catalyst in developing attention. This technique is so unique of Johnson that most of the writers aspire to gain it for perfection in their own style of writing. It is not the ultimate goal of every writer to gain such strength of tone in ones work.

Addison is an alternative example of conveying the same effect on his readers through a different style which is his own. He is softer in his expressions and manages to bring the same feeling of delight that the readers of Johnson achieve through his assertive quality. Thus, Boswell explains that the two writers have their own ways of writing and attracting the attention of their readers.