On the Sublime Questions and Answers
On the Sublime
Sources and Importance of Sublimity in Longinus's On the Sublime
In On the Sublime, Longinus identifies five sources of sublimity: grand thoughts, powerful emotions, noble diction, figures of thought and speech, and dignified word arrangement. Sublimity, according...
On the Sublime
What is false sublimity in Longinus' On the Sublime?
In Longinus' On the Sublime, false sublimity refers to writing that attempts to achieve sublimity but fails to genuinely elevate the reader's experience. Longinus identifies three types of false...
On the Sublime
Longinus as a Classic and Romantic critic
Longinus is both a Classic and Romantic critic. As a Classic critic, he emphasizes the principles of clarity, order, and decorum in literature. As a Romantic critic, he values emotional intensity,...
On the Sublime
Discuss the concept of frigidity in On the Sublime.
In On the Sublime, Longinus criticizes frigidity as a flaw in writing, where the writer's attempt to be clever and elaborate results in an overreaching, artificial style. Frigid writing prioritizes...
On the Sublime
In Longinus' On the Sublime, what's the difference between amplification and sublimity?
In "On the Sublime," Longinus differentiates between amplification and sublimity by stating that sublimity induces ecstasy through grandeur of thought, achievable only by those with elevated minds...
On the Sublime
What factors destroy sublime effects in On the Sublime?
In "On the Sublime," Longinus identifies factors that destroy sublime effects, emphasizing that striving too hard for sublimity leads to "tasteless tumidity" and "tawdry and affected" writing. He...
On the Sublime
How does Longinus in On the Sublime discuss nobility of diction as a source of the sublime?
Longinus, in On the Sublime, emphasizes that nobility of diction is crucial for achieving sublimity in art. Sublimity involves greatness and excellence, and noble diction elevates a work's impact. He...
On the Sublime
What does Longinus believe is nature's role in creating sublime aesthetics?
Longinus believes nature's role in creating sublime aesthetics is to focus humanity on what is immense and astounding. He argues that while small, useful things like streams or lamps serve practical...
On the Sublime
"On the Sublime" as an example of practical and comparative criticism
In "On the Sublime," Longinus engages in practical and comparative criticism by analyzing and comparing various literary works to illustrate their effectiveness in achieving sublimity. He assesses...
On the Sublime
Which poem is considered sublime according to Longinus, and why?
Longinus considers the poem "Epithalamion" by Edmund Spenser as an example of the sublime. According to Longinus, a sublime poem must possess elevated style, moral nobility, strong emotion, and...
On the Sublime
How does figurative language enhance "sublimity" in On the Sublime?
Figurative language enhances sublimity in Longinus's On the Sublime by contributing to the dignity, elevation, and emotional power of literature. Longinus argues that the effective use of imagery...
On the Sublime
How does elevated language in On the Sublime transport, rather than persuade, the audience?
According to On the Sublime, the elevated language of the sublime is not primarily meant to persuade or inform intellectually or factually, but to impact audiences emotionally. In other words, the...
On the Sublime
According to Longinus in On the Sublime, what is the test of excellence in literature?
According to Longinus in On the Sublime, the test of excellence in literature is whether it achieves the status of the sublime. Sublime literature elevates the soul, leaves a lasting impact, and...
On the Sublime
What role does Passion play in creating the sublime in On the Sublime?
In "On the Sublime," Longinus argues that passion is not synonymous with the sublime but can contribute to it. Some passions, like pity, grief, and fear, are considered "of a low order" and unrelated...
On the Sublime
How does the structure of Longinus's On the Sublime compare to Horace's Ars Poetica?
The structure of "On the Sublime" by Longinus is ambiguous and lacks clarity due to uncertain authorship and meaning of its title, making its organizing principles unclear. It covers various topics...
On the Sublime
How are Longinus' ideas from "On the Sublime" relevant to Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour"?
Longinus' ideas from "On the Sublime" are relevant to "The Story of an Hour" through the theme of personal liberation. Mrs. Mallard's reaction to her husband's death shifts from grief to exhilaration...