Samuel Johnson

I couldn't agree more with Samuel Johnson's description of works of fiction and what he believes their purpose should be. They are to be true to life stories that bring about a lesson or inspiration to the reader. He thought that they should show guidance in how to live. Where I disagree with Mr. Johnson is when he states that "if the world be promiscuously described, I cannot see of what use it can be to read the account." This seems to be heading back into Plato territory. This type of logic leads me to believe that Johnson had as little faith in humanity as Plato. Of course this could also be a sign of the number of uneducated people at the times and simply a precaution that was well deserved.