In many of his works, Samuel Johnson uses examples and anecdotes
to demonstrate his point. These are effective not only because
of their relevance but also because of the way Johnson uses
wording and structure to portray them. The following passage is
a good example of the way Johnson uses individual words to
emphasize his point, therefore overtly and subtly convincing the
reader he is right. Thus furnished with irresistible artillery,
he turned his batteries upon the female world, and, in the first
warmth of self-approbation, proposed no less than the possession
of riches and beauty united. He therefore paid his civilities to
Flavilla, the only daughter of a wealthy shopkeeper, who not
being accustomed to amorous blandishments, or respectful
addresses, was delighted with the novelty of love, and easily
suffered him to conduct her to the play, and to meet her where
she visited. Leviculus did not doubt but her father, however
offended by a clandestine marriage, would soon be reconciled by
the tears of his daug