Who among the following is credited with ending the system of patronage with his “Letter to Lord Chesterfield”?

Correct option is B

Explanation:

The correct answer is Samuel Johnson.

- Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was a renowned English writer, critic, and lexicographer.

- His famous “Letter to Lord Chesterfield” (1755) is considered a landmark rejection of the patronage system in English literature.

- The letter was written after Lord Chesterfield (a nobleman and influential literary patron) attempted to take credit for supporting Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language, despite offering little assistance during its compilation.

- In this letter, Johnson boldly rejected the system of aristocratic patronage, asserting the independence of writers from noble sponsors.

Information Booster: 

- In the 18th century, writers relied on wealthy patrons (aristocrats or royals) for financial support.

- In return, they were often expected to praise and flatter their patrons in their works.

- This system limited artistic freedom as authors were dependent on noble sponsors.

- Samuel Johnson spent nearly nine years (1746–1755) compiling A Dictionary of the English Language, one of the most important dictionaries ever written.

- He had initially sought financial help from Lord Chesterfield, a prominent nobleman.

- However, Chesterfield ignored Johnson during the years of hard work and only praised the dictionary after it was completed.

- Johnson, feeling used and betrayed, wrote his famous letter rejecting patronage.

Key Excerpts from the Letter:

- “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?”

Here, Johnson sarcastically criticizes Chesterfield for offering support only after Johnson had completed his work.

- “I have long been persuaded that nothing is to be expected from patronage but flattery and dependence.”

This line boldly rejects the entire system of literary patronage, advocating for independent authorship.

Additional Knowledge: 

Bishop Berkeley (1685–1753)

- An Irish philosopher known for Immaterialism (subjective idealism).
- His major works include A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710).

Edmund Burke (1729–1797)

- A political philosopher and statesman known for Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790).
- Though he opposed aristocratic tyranny, his concerns were more political than literary.

Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

- An English novelist and politician, best known for The Castle of Otranto (1764), the first Gothic novel.