Considered the dominant literary figure of generation following Swift and Pope?

The dominant literary figure of the generation following Swift and Pope (the Augustan Age) is generally considered to be Samuel Johnson.

Here's why:

* Influence: Johnson's impact on English literature was profound. He was a lexicographer (creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary), literary critic, essayist, poet, and biographer.

* Literary Criticism: His work established a lasting framework for literary criticism, particularly his "Lives of the Poets."

* Influence on Writers: He directly influenced younger writers like Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Gray, and Edmund Burke.

* Legacy: His writings, personality, and views continued to be influential for generations after his death.

While other prominent writers like Henry Fielding, Laurence Sterne, and Edward Gibbon existed during this period, Johnson's literary and cultural influence is widely acknowledged to be most significant.