92paisanew-link The concept of the sublime, that which elevates language and thought beyond the ordinary to inspire awe and transcendence, has captivated thinkers for centuries. At the forefront of this discussion stands Longinus, the ancient Greek rhetorician whose treatise, *On the Sublime* (also known as *Peri Hypsous*), laid the foundational principles for understanding this powerful aesthetic quality. For Longinus, the sublime is not merely a stylistic flourish but a profound expression of greatness of soul, an elevation or loftiness that imbues writing with exceptional distinction. Exploring the sources of sublime by Longinus reveals a sophisticated framework that continues to resonate in literary criticism and artistic appreciation today.
Longinus meticulously identified five principal sources from which nearly all sublimity is derived. These sources are crucial for achieving the true sublime, which, according to Longinus, is characterized by its universal appeal and enduring impact. The five sources of sublimity are:
1. Greatness of Thought (or Grandeur of Thought): This is arguably the most critical source for Longinus.What according to Longinus are the sources of the sublime ... It encompasses not just profound ideas but also the capacity for noble and elevated thinking.Sources of True Sublime by Longinus | PDF The treatise suggests that great thoughts are inherent or innate, reflecting an author's innate intellectual and emotional capacityLonginus On the sublime. This is the "echo of greatness of soul" that Longinus speaks of, indicating that the writer’s inner disposition significantly influences the sublime quality of their work. The concept of greatness of thought is closely intertwined with the idea of inspiration, aligning with the divine influence attributed to Apollo, who Longinus viewed as the source of good enthusiasm.
2. Strong Emotion (or Vehement Passion): Beyond mere intellectual profundity, Longinus emphasizes the crucial role of powerful and inspired emotion. This strong emotion is not simply a personal outpouring but a controlled and potent force that can deeply affect the readerTo go into sublimity in more depth, Longinus provides five sources that can lead to this goal:great thoughts, noble diction, dignified word arrangementstrong.. It's about channeling intense feelings in a way that enhances, rather than detracts from, the overall dignity and impact of the composition. This aspect highlights the connection between the writer’s inner passion and the external expression of it.
3.sources of sublime by longinus slots grandeur of thought Figures of Speech (or Figures of Thought and Speech): The skillful deployment of linguistic devices is another indispensable element in achieving the sublime. Longinus recognized that various rhetorical figures, such as metaphors, similes, and hyperbole, can amplify the impact of an idea by creating powerful comparisons and vivid imagery. The effective use of these figures contributes significantly to effective word arrangement, helping to create a harmonious and compelling composition.
4. Noble Diction (or Dignified Style): The choice of words plays a pivotal role in conveying a sense of grandeur. Noble diction involves the selection of language that is elevated, dignified, and appropriate to the subject matter. This extends to the use of evocative language and even rarer, poetic terms that can imbue the text with a unique and powerful resonance.2009年10月23日—Specimen passages translated from Greek writers of the Roman empireon literary criticism.--II. The treatise On sublimity and Latin critics. As noted by some scholars, noble diction also encompasses the use of metaphors, further emphasizing its rhetorical function.2022年1月14日—I shall now proceed to enumerate the fiveprincipalsources, as we may call them, from which almost all sublimity is derived, assuming, ...
5. Dignified Composition (or Dignified Word Arrangement): This final source refers to the harmonious and well-structured arrangement of words and ideas. It's about the overall architecture of the discourse, how sentences flow, and how different elements are put together to create a cohesive and impactful whole. This dignified word arrangement is essential for ensuring that the other elements of the sublime are presented effectively and logically.
It is important to note that Longinus distinguished between different types or sources of sublimity. He acknowledged that while both nature and art contribute to sublimity in literature, some aspects are more innate (like greatness of thought) while others are cultivated through skill and practice (like figures of speech and composition). This duality underscores the idea that the sublime is not solely a gift but also a craft that can be honed.
The enduring relevance of Longinus's five sources of sublimity lies in their comprehensive approachThe Theory of the Sublime from Longinus to Kant | Reviews. By examining grandeur of thought, strong emotion, figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified composition, we gain a profound understanding of what makes writing truly transportive and impactful.[Solved] Of the five conditions of the Sublime. according to Longinus Whether analyzing classical texts or contemporary works, the principles articulated by Longinus in *On the Sublime* continue to provide a valuable lens through which to appreciate and understand the power of elevated expression. The treatise itself, often presented as a set of specimen passages translated from Greek writers of the Roman empire, serves as a testament to the timeless pursuit of sublime artistic achievement.Longinusdivided thesourcesof sublimity into those innate in the material and those added by art. Material innatelysublimeincluded descriptions of the gods ...
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