Question

Write an essay in about 250 words on the following.

Johnson's mixed feelings about his efforts and the making of his dictionary.

Answer 1

Johnson's mixed feelings about his efforts and the fate of his dictionary.
More a Miscarriage than Success
A Humble Drudge: To Samuel Johnson, one who complies a dictionary is a humble drudge who works with diligence as a slave of science and a pioneer of literature. He is one of those unhappy mortals who is fated to remove the unwanted, the rubbish from the copious speech, detect all adulteration and make a good choice out of a boundless variety of words to pave way for the learned and genius in their study of the language. One who writes a lexicon is always looked down upon by other.
A Commitment Despite Censure: When every author aspires praise, Samuel Johnson knew the negative recompenses he'll be facing such as reproach, criticisms and censures. Yet he aimed at giving longevity to the English Dictionary and making it immortal. He was aware of his labour of years which would add glory and honour to his country. He aimed at adding reputation to English literature.Little did he feel his commitment useless or ignoble. His labour would assist foreign nations and distant ages. Propagators of science and celebrities of literature would surely profit from his diligence.
A Pleasure without Praise: It was the aspiration that made him pursue the task. Being committed to this dream, he preserved with the hope that one day, his dictionary would become popular. However, there would be a few blunders and defects for no dictionary of a living tongue could be perfect.Yet he cannot use his whole lifetime to stop budding words and prevent falling words, for words are resigned to the tyranny of time and fashion. In spite of all these, he ascertained that his diligence would prevail at last. Hence he expected no praise or reward. To a lexicographer, success and miscarriages are empty sounds. Johnson's narrative is mingled with expressions of mixed feelings.