Upon reading Plato?s stance against poetry, it is refreshing to say the least to take into consideration Longinus?s praise of the art. In ?On the Sublime,? this author with the unknown identity lauds the art of sublimity, stating that it is an ?eminence and excellence in language; and that from this, and this alone, the greatest poets and writers of prose have attained the first place and have clothed their fame with immortality.? Longinus provides five sources of ?the sublime?, namely the power of forming great conceptions, vehement and inspired passion, formation and use of figures, dignified diction and lastly the nobleness of elevation. These sources will be pointed out and discussed in this essay in an effort to illustrate the great manner in which Longinus deals with the important topic of sublimity.
Sublimity is easily seen as it ?[flashes] forth at right moment, [scattering] everything before it like a thunderbolt.?
English: The School of Athens (detail). Fresco, St...
Re-sublimity
Sublimity (horse)(75). It attributes to a discourse a sense of grandeur. The sublime may be seen as an elevation of language often made up in a single thought. Longinus argues that a sublime or ?lofty? tone is innate, and comes about not only by teaching [nurture] but also is a gift of nature. This lofty is noticed in dignified and elevated compositions whereby more is seen on the page than the words at the surface, thus grasping the reader?s interest, not through persuasion but instead by transport of the author?s powerful discourse. Longinus states:
At every time and in every way imposing speech, with the spell it throws over us, prevails over that which aims at persuasion and gratification. Our persuasions we can usually control, but the influences of the sublime bring power and irresistible might to bear, and reign supreme over every hearer. (76).
This leads to...