Irene: ‘gleams of reason’ and ‘clouds of passion’

Abstract

The theme of fantasy and phantom appears prominently in Johnson’s earliest work, the tragedy Irene. From the earliest draft versions of the play’s speeches, Johnson had a clear idea to convey. He was at pains to spell it out when he eventually wrote a Prologue for its first performance, many years later. The message is not (though the Epilogue lends some support to this idea) that it is not a good idea to marry a Turk. Nor is it simply an exhortation to be virtuous and true to one’s religion. Its message concerns states of mind. The virtuous and true are rewarded with decisiveness and steadiness: by contrast the vicious are condemned to torment themselves with guilt, longing and disappointment. The Prologue clearly links the ideas of morality and calm, immorality and torment:

Learn here how Heav’n supports the virtuous mind,

Daring, tho’ calm; and vigorous, tho’ resign’d.

Learn here what anguish racks the guilty breast,

In pow’r dependent, in success deprest.

(ll. 9–12)