"The Decay of Friendship" by Samuel Johnson is a thought-provoking essay that

explores the reasons why friendships can fall apart over time. Johnson argues that
friendship is based on mutual interests, and when those interests change, the
friendship may begin to decay. He also suggests that friendships can be damaged
by envy, competition, and a lack of communication.

Johnson uses the example of his own friendship with a man named Levett to
illustrate his point. Initially, Johnson and Levett had much in common, but over
time their interests diverged and they gradually drifted apart. Johnson regrets the
loss of this friendship but recognizes that it was inevitable given the changes in
their lives.

Overall, "The Decay of Friendship" is a poignant reminder that friendships require

effort and attention to maintain. While some friendships may naturally come to an
end, it's important to cherish those that endure and to be proactive in nurturing
them.

Samuel Johnson's "The Decay of Friendship" is a reflective essay that delves into
the reasons why friendships can disintegrate over time. Johnson argues that
friendships are based on shared interests, and when those interests change, the
friendships may weaken. He also notes that envy, competition, and a lack of
communication can be detrimental to friendships. Johnson uses his own
relationship with Levett to illustrate his point, as they gradually drifted apart as
their interests diverged. Despite the inevitability of some friendships coming to an
end, Johnson reminds us that it's important to cherish the ones that endure and to
actively work on maintaining them.

he aimed to highlight the issues that can lead to the breakdown of friendships and
list common reasons why friendships may deteriorate.
**Title: The Decay of Friendship - A Literary Analysis**

**Student 1 (Introduction):**
Good morning, everyone! Today, we will delve into a thought-provoking and timeless piece of
literature by Samuel Johnson, "The Decay of Friendship." This essay was published in 1750 and
reflects Johnson's deep insights into the dynamics of friendship and the human condition.

**Student 2 (Summary):**
"The Decay of Friendship" is an essay where Samuel Johnson explores the various facets of
friendship and its inevitable decay over time. Johnson discusses how friendships evolve,
change, and sometimes deteriorate due to the shifts in people's circumstances and
personalities.

**Student 3 (Author's Perspective):**

Samuel Johnson, the author of this essay, was an influential English writer, critic, and
lexicographer of the 18th century. He believed that friendships should be built on shared values
and that true friends should provide support and loyalty to one another.

**Student 4 (Themes):**
One of the key themes in this essay is the fragility of human relationships. Johnson also
emphasizes the importance of trust and the role of change in the decay of friendship.

**Student 5 (Friendship's Nature):**

Johnson eloquently describes the natural course of friendship. He mentions that true
friendships are not always based on proximity but on mutual affection, respect, and shared
experiences.

**Student 6 (Change and Decay):**

Johnson also discusses the impact of change on friendships. He argues that as people evolve,
their interests and priorities may diverge, causing friendships to deteriorate. He likens
friendship to a plant that needs constant nourishment and care.

**Student 7 (Relevance Today):**

This essay remains relevant in our lives today. In a fast-paced world with evolving priorities and
social dynamics, understanding the insights Johnson provides can help us navigate the
complexities of modern friendships.

**Student 8 (Conclusion):**
In conclusion, "The Decay of Friendship" by Samuel Johnson offers valuable insights into the
nature of friendships and their evolution. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of
nurturing and cherishing true friendships, while also acknowledging that change is an inevitable
part of life.

**Student 1 (Closing):**
Thank you for joining us in this exploration of "The Decay of Friendship." We hope you found
this discussion insightful, and we encourage you to read the essay by Samuel Johnson to gain a
deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships.