Intersections of Identity: Race, Legacy, and Belonging, within Caryl Phillips’s Historical Narrative “Dr Johnson’s Watch” as Part of Three English Lives

Abstract

This essay examines Caryl Phillips’s portrayal of the historical figure Francis Barber. This formerly enslaved person rose to become the companion and heir of Samuel Johnson, the renowned lexicographer and writer. Phillips’s narrative, ‘Dr. Johnson's Watch,’ encapsulates two pivotal episodes from Barber’s life: his poignant attendance at Johnson's funeral in Westminster Abbey and his encounter with an unnamed narrator years later in Lichfield. Through these episodes, Phillips delves into profound themes of race, identity, belonging, and legacy against the backdrop of eighteenth-century England, a society entrenched in slavery and colonialism. The essay offers a nuanced literary analysis of the complex relationship between Johnson and Barber, both of whom existed as outsiders within their own contexts. It prompts reflection on the representation and agency of black individuals in history and literature, grappling with the challenges and opportunities they confronted in a largely hostile and indifferent society. At its thematic core lies Johnson’s watch, symbolising the enduring connections between individuals of diverse backgrounds and underscoring the legacy of figures like Johnson in advocating against the injustices of slavery. Through Phillips's narrative, the essay elucidates the intricate dynamics of race, power, and belonging in English society, shedding light on the struggles faced by immigrants and marginalized individuals during this tumultuous period. Ultimately, ‘Dr. Johnson’s Watch’ serves as a powerful testament to the humanity and dignity of Barber and other foreigners, inviting readers to contemplate the enduring impact of historical figures in advocating for justice and equality.