Background:
* Lord Chesterfield, a prominent figure in British society, had initially shown interest in Johnson's work and offered him financial support.
* Johnson, facing financial hardship, accepted Chesterfield's patronage.
* However, Chesterfield's support was sporadic and Johnson felt neglected and undervalued.
The Letter:
* Johnson's letter, written in 1755, was a blistering response to Chesterfield's belated attempt to claim credit for Johnson's success.
* Johnson accused Chesterfield of hypocrisy and insincerity, stating that his patronage had been merely a social obligation rather than genuine support.
* He famously wrote, "Is not a patron, my Lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and, when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help?"
Purpose:
* To reject patronage: The letter was a public declaration of Johnson's refusal to be beholden to any patron. He asserted his right to literary independence and financial security through his own work.
* To expose hypocrisy: Johnson aimed to expose Chesterfield's opportunistic behavior and to denounce the corrupting influence of patronage on literature.
* To assert his dignity: The letter was a powerful assertion of Johnson's self-respect and his belief in the intrinsic value of his work.
Significance:
* The letter is a landmark in the history of literature and intellectual freedom.
* It stands as a powerful argument against patronage and a celebration of the writer's independent spirit.
* Johnson's courageous act inspired future generations of writers to fight for their creative freedom and financial independence.
In conclusion, Johnson's letter to Lord Chesterfield was a scathing rejection of patronage, a declaration of his independence, and a powerful statement of his literary principles. It remains a timeless and inspiring testament to the power of individual integrity and the pursuit of artistic excellence.