Prejudice
In his notes, Johnson is a studious adherent to his own preconceptions about the Scottish highlands. He has developed a resolute opinion of the region, having heard stories about warfare and wilderness. When he observes the marked changes in the region, he nearly defies what he observes. In his treatment of the Scottish people, Johnson continually notes how they far surpass his expectations in terms of civilization and intellect. He takes no pains to conceal his disdain for the local language and its dialects, even promoting the false belief that the Scottish Gaelic had never before been written except to translate a few brief religious texts. Nevertheless, Johnson cannot conceal that Scotland has experienced significant reform in recent years, despite his taking every opportunity to blame any shortcoming or inconvenience on the barbarism of the locals.
Depopulation
A constant theme throughout the text is the depopulation of the region, stemming from contagious disease. Johnson takes this phenomenon as proof that the Scottish still have not abandoned their barbaric traditions else they would have insulated themselves from such plagues. In reality, the depopulation was systemic and somewhat unavoidable. As people caught sick, they were well-removed from aid. Additionally, the cultural stigma separating Scotland from neighboring countries and provinces further separate the Scottish from medical help. If one became ill, one remained ill or died. These diseases in turn related to the overall persistent wildness of the region because so few people remained to work the land or to untie in communities.
Rural Pastoral Simplicity
Despite his concerns about the locals seeming lack of civilization, Johnson admittedly benefits from the trip. He has rarely left his own winding city of London, so the peaceful solitude of the Scottish countryside approaches religious epiphany for Johnson. He is enchanted by the quiet country roads, the grazing animals, and the simplicity of the farmers’ lives. While staying with Lord Monboddo, Johnson and Boswell are treated to fantastic home-cooked meals straight from the farm. Having criticized Monboddo at first, Johnson is surprised by the man’s gentle hospitality. Overall, the experience of the Scottish highlands at this time plants a fresh seed of contentment in Johnson’s otherwise hectic and complex life.
