# Samuel Johnson — The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft character guide

> Samuel Johnson in The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft by George Gissing.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Johnson, Brave Samuel Johnson

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Who they are

Quoted and admired as a moralist and literary figure.

## Relationships

### [Goethe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/characters/goethe)

_social_

Goethe was aware of Johnson's reputation and works, but their connection is distant and based on literary influence rather than direct interaction.

## In the story

### [The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/the-private-papers-of-henry-ryecroft)

Mentioned as a figure of literary endurance and moral strength, admired by Ryecroft.

### [Part I: Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/part-i-spring)

Quoted by Ryecroft regarding the joy of reading a book one has long wished to read.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/v)

Quoted on the evil of poverty; Ryecroft admires his common sense.

### [Part II: Summer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/part-ii-summer)

Mentioned as a figure of literary greatness and moral strength, contrasted with modern writers.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/xiii)

Praised as a truth-teller whose blunt, fearless words are valued above the timid teachings of moralists and preachers.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/xix)

Quoted on the difference between lettered and unlettered men; his phrase 'the chimes at midnight' is invoked.

### [Part III: Autumn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/part-iii-autumn)

Quoted in the context of literary life and the hardships of writing for a living.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/ii)

Referenced as being pulled out of bed by Burton, a comparison to Ryecroft's own eagerness for Goethe and Schiller.

### [Part IV: Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/part-iv-winter)

Mentioned as a figure of literary endurance and moral strength.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/chapters/xxii)

Referenced indirectly through the discussion of English prudery and moral seriousness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/characters/samuel_johnson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_private_papers_of_henry_ryecroft_se/characters