BY JAMES BALDWIN
Johnson and His Father
Famous Stories Retold: Story 11 of 30
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Father’s Request: Samuel Johnson's father, who owned a bookshop in Lichfield, England, asked Samuel to attend the market in Uttoxeter, but Samuel refused, preferring to study Latin classics instead.
Literary Achievement: Samuel Johnson went on to become one of the most famous literary figures in England, known for works such as "Rasselas" and the "Dictionary of the English Language".
A good book we like, we explorers. That is our best amusement, and our best time killer
- Roald Amundsen, Explorer
Samuel Johnson: Remorse and Redemption's Tale
Immerse yourself in the profound story of renowned British author, Samuel Johnson, whose lingering regret from a youthful misstep teaches a powerful lesson in remorse and redemption. This tale, steeped in the charm of a Lichfield bookshop and the bustling market of Uttoxeter, reveals the emotional weight of a single event that shaped Johnson's life. As we unravel this poignant narrative, you'll discover how a moment's disrespect can resonate through a lifetime, and how the path to redemption may be walked at any age. Join us as we explore Johnson's heartfelt act of contrition that continues to echo through history.
The Young Samuel Johnson and His Early Life in Lichfield
Samuel Johnson, a revered British author and lector, began his life in the quaint city of Lichfield. Born in 1709, Johnson was the first child of Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and his wife, Sarah. Samuel's early years were spent in the comforting embrace of books, with his father's bookshop serving as his playground. This environment fuelled his passion for literature and shaped his future path. However, Samuel's youthful days were also marked by an incident that left a lasting impact on his life, shadowing him with profound regret.
The Bookshop: The Heart of the Johnson Family
The Johnson family's bookshop was a landmark in Lichfield. Managed by Samuel's father, Michael, the bookshop was not just a business but the heart and soul of the family. Within its walls, young Samuel was introduced to the enchanting world of literature, which shaped his intellectual growth and fostered his love for the written word. The bookshop was a place of joy and passion, but it was also the backdrop for an incident that would sear itself into Samuel's conscience, leading to a life-long remorse.
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The Rainy Day Incident: A Turning Point in Young Samuel’s Life
A particular rainy day marked a turning point in Samuel's life, an incident which he would remember with deep regret. When his ailing father asked him to attend the market in Uttoxeter on his behalf, Samuel, engrossed in a book, chose to ignore the request. This decision forced his father to brave the heavy rain and cold to fulfill his duties. This incident represented a moment of neglect and disrespect towards his father, a moment that Samuel would spend the rest of his life atoning for.
The Repercussions of Ignorance: Samuel's Father's Journey in the Rain
The effects of Samuel Johnson’s disregard for his father's request were immediate and heart-rending. Given his frail state, the journey to Uttoxeter market was a daunting one for the ailing old man. Yet, in his unyielding determination to keep his bookshop running, he bore the discomfort of the rain-soaked trip. The image of his father braving the elements due to his own indifference left a lasting impression on the young Samuel. This incident served as a turning point, igniting in him a sense of responsibility and respect towards his parents, and by extension, towards all elders.
The Return to Uttoxeter: A Public Display of Penance
Fast-forward fifty years, Samuel Johnson, now a celebrated author and lector, revisited the site of his youthful negligence. In an act of public repentance, he stood in the rain at the Uttoxeter market, mirroring the difficult journey his father had undertaken due to his irresponsibility. This was not a fleeting act of remorse, but a profound demonstration of his regret. Samuel chose to retrace his father's steps, experiencing first-hand the hardship and discomfort his father had endured. This act underlined his recognition of his earlier mistake and his commitment to make amends.
The Lingering Ghost of Past Sins: Samuel's Lifelong Regret and Redemption
In the evening of his life, the memory of that rainy day remained vivid in Samuel Johnson’s mind. Though he had achieved fame and respect, the ghost of his youthful disrespect towards his father continued to haunt him. It was a poignant reminder of his past mistake, a regret he lived with throughout his life. However, his act of penance at Uttoxeter market was a powerful testament to his redemption. His story serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of respect for one’s elders and the deep-seated impact our actions can have on our conscience. Samuel's tale is a stirring reminder that it's never too late to acknowledge our mistakes and seek redemption.
Conclusion
This tale of Samuel Johnson is a profound lesson in remorse and redemption. A youthful mistake, a missed chance to help his ailing father, became a lifelong regret. However, Johnson's public act of penance at Uttoxeter market, half a century later, is a touching display of atonement. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how a moment's disregard can echo through our lives, and that it's never too late to seek redemption. Johnson's heartfelt tale of remorse continues to resonate, reminding us to value every moment and interaction with our loved ones.
SCENE FIRST
It is in a little bookshop in the city of Lichfield, England. The floor has just been swept and the shutter taken down from the one small window. The hour is early, and customers have not yet begun to drop in. Out of doors the rain is falling.
At a small table near the door, a feeble, white-haired old man is making up some packages of books. As he arranges them in a large basket, he stops now and then as though disturbed by pain. He puts his hand to his side; he coughs in a most distressing way; then he sits down and rests himself, leaning his elbows upon the table.
"Samuel!" he calls.
In the farther corner of the room there is a young man busily reading from a large book that is spread open before him. He is a very odd-looking fellow, perhaps eighteen years of age, but you would take him to be older. He is large and awkward, with a great round face, scarred and marked by a strange disease. His eyesight must be poor, for, as he reads, he bends down until his face is quite near the printed page.
"Samuel!" again the old man calls.
But Samuel makes no reply. He is so deeply interested in his book that he does not hear. The old man rests himself a little longer and then finishes tying his packages. He lifts the heavy basket and sets it on the table. The exertion brings on another fit of coughing; and when it is over he calls for the third time, "Samuel!"
"What is it, father?" This time the call is heard.
"You know, Samuel," he says, "that to-morrow is market day at Uttoxeter, and our stall must be attended to. Some of our friends will be there to look at the new books which they expect me to bring. One of us must go down on the stage this morning and get everything in readiness. But I hardly feel able for the journey. My cough troubles me quite a little, and you see that it is raining very hard."
"Yes, father; I am sorry," answers Samuel; and his face is again bent over the book.
"I thought perhaps you would go down to the market, and that I might stay here at the shop," says his father. But Samuel does not hear. He is deep in the study of some Latin classic.
The old man goes to the door and looks out. The rain is still falling. He shivers, and buttons his coat.
It is a twenty-mile ride to Uttoxeter. In five minutes the stage will pass the door.
"Samuel, will you not go down to the market for me this time?"
The old man is putting on his great coat.
He is reaching for his hat.
The basket is on his arm.
He casts a beseeching glance at his son, hoping that he will relent at the last moment.
"Here comes the coach, Samuel;" and the old man is choked by another fit of coughing.
Whether Samuel hears or not, I do not know. He is still reading, and he makes no sign nor motion.
The stage comes rattling down the street.
The old man with his basket of books staggers out of the door. The stage halts for a moment while he climbs inside. Then the driver swings his whip, and all are away.
Samuel, in the shop, still bends over his book.
Out of doors the rain is falling.
SCENE SECOND
Just fifty years have passed, and again it is market day at Uttoxeter.
The rain is falling in the streets. The people who have wares to sell huddle under the eaves and in the stalls and booths that have roofs above them.
A chaise from Lichfield pulls up at the entrance to the market square.
An old man alights. One would guess him to be seventy years of age. He is large and not well-shaped. His face is seamed and scarred, and he makes strange grimaces as he clambers out of the chaise. He wheezes and puffs as though afflicted with asthma. He walks with the aid of a heavy stick.
With slow but ponderous strides he enters the market place and looks around. He seems not to know that the rain is falling.
He looks at the little stalls ranged along the walls of the market place. Some have roofs over them and are the centers of noisy trade. Others have fallen into disuse and are empty.
The stranger halts before one of the latter. "Yes, this is it," he says. He has a strange habit of talking aloud to himself. "I remember it well. It was here that my father, on certain market days, sold books to the clergy of the county. The good men came from every parish to see his wares and to hear him describe their contents."
He turns abruptly around. "Yes, this is the place," he repeats.
He stands quite still and upright, directly in front of the little old stall. He takes off his hat and holds it beneath his arm. His great walking stick has fallen into the gutter. He bows his head and clasps his hands. He does not seem to know that the rain is falling.
The clock in the tower above the market strikes eleven. The passers-by stop and gaze at the stranger. The market people peer at him from their booths and stalls. Some laugh as the rain runs in streams down his scarred old cheeks. Rain is it? Or can it be tears?
Boys hoot at him. Some of the ruder ones even hint at throwing mud; but a sense of shame withholds them from the act.
"He is a poor lunatic. Let him alone," say the more compassionate.
The rain falls upon his bare head and his broad shoulders. He is drenched and chilled. But he stands motionless and silent, looking neither to the right nor to the left.
"Who is that old fool?" asks a thoughtless young man who chances to be passing.
"Do you ask who he is?" answers a gentleman from London. "Why, he is Dr. Samuel Johnson, the most famous man in England. It was he who wrote Rasselas and the Lives of the Poets and Irene and many another work which all men are praising. It was he who made the great English Dictionary, the most wonderful book of our times. In London, the noblest lords and ladies take pleasure in doing him honor. He is the literary lion of England."
"Then why does he come to Uttoxeter and stand thus in the pouring rain?"
"I cannot tell you; but doubtless he has reasons for doing so;" and the gentleman passes on.
At length there is a lull in the storm. The birds are chirping among the housetops. The people wonder if the rain is over, and venture out into the slippery street.
The clock in the tower above the market strikes twelve. The renowned stranger has stood a whole hour motionless in the market place. And again the rain is falling.
Slowly now he returns his hat to his head. He finds his walking stick where it had fallen. He lifts his eyes reverently for a moment, and then, with a lordly, lumbering motion, walks down the street to meet the chaise which is ready to return to Lichfield.
We follow him through the pattering rain to his native town.
"Why, Dr. Johnson!" exclaims his hostess; "we have missed you all day. And you are so wet and chilled! Where have you been?"
"Madam," says the great man, "fifty years ago, this very day, I tacitly refused to oblige or obey my father. The thought of the pain which I must have caused him has haunted me ever since. To do away the sin of that hour, I this morning went in a chaise to Uttoxeter and did do penance publicly before the stall which my father had formerly used."
The great man bows his head upon his hands and sobs.
Out of doors the rain is falling.
