Air Quote by James Boswell
“Boswell, when he speaks of his Life of Johnson, calls it my magnum opus, but it may more properly be called his opera, for it is truly a composition founded on a true story, in which there is a hero with a number of subordinate characters, and an alternate succession of recitative and airs of various tone and effect, all however in delightful animation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Life of Johnson by James Boswell, 1791
Describes Johnson’s life as a grand, operatic work composed of many characters and varied scenes, emphasizing its dramatic richness.
In simple terms: Johnson’s life is like a vivid opera.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the complexity of a person’s story.
Themes
literature
biography
drama
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- reading biographies
- teaching literature
- creative writing
- performance arts
Key Concepts
narrative structure
character study
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of a life become theatrical when retold?
- How does narrative shape our view of history?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize or simplify real human struggles.
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
![“[T]he kingdom of God... is to be a political institution that shall hold sway over all the earth; to which all other governments will be subordinate and by which they will be dominated.” quote by B. H. Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c8b/b-h-roberts-42473_earth_t-he-kingdom-of-god-is-to-be-a-political_51017.jpg)
![“[A]s a lady adjusts her dress before a mirror, a man adjusts his character by looking at his journal.” quote by James Boswell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ff/james-boswell-7136_autobiography_a-s-a-lady-adjusts-her-dress-before-a-mi_400513.jpg)
![“In comparing these two writers, he [Samuel Johnson] used this expression: "that there was as great a difference between them as between a man who knew how a watch was made, and a man who could tell the hour by looking on the dial-plate." This was a short and a figurative statement of his…” quote by James Boswell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f19/james-boswell-7136_brighter_in-comparing-these-two-writers-he-samuel_445768.jpg)
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
