The Life of Samuel Johnson

This section represents a turning point in the Life, as it marks the moment when Boswell meets Johnson for the first time. Here the texture of the book changes markedly. Whereas the earlier portions presented a traditional biographical narrative (with occasional letters), now Boswell will present recollected conversations between him, Johnson, and others, interspersed with reflections and narration from Boswell’s own perspective. Accordingly, dialogue takes a more important role.

Additionally, the pace of the narrative slows down as Boswell records Johnson’s conversation, personality, and ideas in minute detail. To a great extent the preceding part of the Life was preparation for this main portion. Here Boswell in effect enters his own narrative and interacts with the subject of his biography. Since Boswell (who was middle-aged when he wrote the Life) has become a famous author in his own right, readers are presented with two authors interacting and sharing ideas and experiences on a more or less equal footing. 

In 1762, Boswell is a 22-year-old native of Scotland who loves literature and, in particular, the writings of Johnson. After coming to London, he seeks opportunities of meeting Johnson at gatherings of other literary friends—including the actor Thomas Sheridan—but the meetings always fall through. Finally, the two men meet on May 16, 1763, at the home of the actor and bookseller Thomas Davies. Boswell is drinking tea with Davies and his wife in their parlor, when Johnson unexpectedly lumbers into the room.

Aware of Johnson’s “prejudice against the Scotch” (277), Boswell asks Davies not to tell Johnson where he (Boswell) is from. Despite this, Davies goes ahead and introduces Boswell as being “from Scotland.” This leads Boswell, then Johnson, to utter quips in turn about Scotland (277). Anxious to engage Johnson in conversation, Boswell makes a remark about Johnson’s acquaintance, David Garrick; the remark is a bit too forward and leads to a gruff reproof from Johnson. However, as the friends disperse, Davies assures Boswell, “Don’t be uneasy. I can see he likes you very well” (279).

The initial meeting of Boswell and Johnson foreshadows later friction in their relationship, especially occasioned by Johnson’s gruff behavior. However, Boswell shows a typical willingness to get behind Johnson’s rough exterior and persist in pursuing him as a friend.  

Indeed, the friendship—by turns intellectual and tenderly personal—is now underway. A few days later, Boswell goes to find Johnson in his “den” at the Temple, a club for lawyers. Although Johnson’s dress and surroundings are “uncouth,” he welcomes Boswell “very courteously,” and the shabby externals are “forgotten the moment that he began to talk” (281). Boswell and Johnson have the first of their long conversations, this one centering on literature and on defending the truth of Christianity; religion will be a frequent topic of their discussions in the future.

Twice Boswell tries to excuse himself, afraid that he is imposing on Johnson’s time, but both times Johnson insists that he stay; it is clear that he likes Boswell. At the end of the meeting, Johnson promises to meet Boswell at the latter’s lodgings next time. Boswell is “elated” at the new friendship and at the prospect of receiving Johnson at his own home.

During this latter meeting, Boswell becomes bolder in his interactions with Johnson. He questions Johnson’s lifestyle of staying out very late, and Johnson admits it is “a bad habit” (282). Looking back on the incident later, Boswell marvels that he “ventured to talk to him so freely” (282). Johnson’s positive reaction to this shows his respect and tolerance for Boswell. These two meetings effectively cement the friendship of the two men. This is further emphasized several days later when Johnson invites Boswell to “[c]ome to me as often as you can. I shall be glad to see you” (283).

In accordance with his father’s wishes, Boswell agrees to go to Utrecht, Holland, to study law. He meets with Johnson at the Mitre tavern to get his advice on how to pursue his studies. Johnson advises that Boswell read widely and without “rigid adherence to a particular plan of study” (303)—i.e., a method similar to Johnson’s own in his youth. Boswell expresses to the readers that such a method is not for everyone, even though it worked very well for Johnson.

They discuss Johnson’s belief in spirits or ghosts, and compare such English writers as Campbell, Churchill, and Goldsmith. Although literature will be at the forefront of the conversations, the topics will open out into life in general. On subsequent meetings throughout July 1763, Boswell and Johnson meet for supper at the Turk’s Head coffeehouse. There the conversation touches of politics as well as literature and life. Toward the end of July, the two men travel by boat down the Thames and discuss poetry.

On August 5, Johnson sees Boswell off at a pier as he leaves for Holland in a boat. Boswell sees this gesture as indicative of Johnson’s “affectionate regard.” The two friends embrace and part “with tenderness” and agree to write to each other.

Boswell’s almost worshipful attitude toward Johnson is clear; he now refers to him as a “sage” and defends him at every opportunity. In particular, Boswell insists on Johnson’s kindness to him, to contradict portrayals of Johnson as unlikeable. Boswell dramatizes the scene of his leaving England by describing Johnson watching him on the pier as the boat departs, then disappearing from sight. Boswell is sorrowful about leaving his new friend and uncertain about his future in a foreign land.