Tag Archives: On the Sublime

There may not have been much really new to me here, only in that I’ve taken classes, courses, seminars, and read a lot on writing, but the manner in which this essay was written–and of course, the time–was interesting in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Some interesting points made here, in the lyric quality of the writing: Demosthenes:  "This decree caused the danger which then beset the city to pass by just-as a cloud." For the thought is expressed throughout in dactylic rhythms, and these … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Of the five elements named, that is: Concept, Passion, Figures, Diction, and Composition, the course of diction is truly my favorite. It may, however, be pointed out that stately language is not to be used everywhere, since to invest petty … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Although I don’t quite understand the concept of "figures" as an element of the sublime, I’ve decided to plow ahead and grasp the meaning through the examples given.  This appears to relate to the manner in which passion is expressed: … Continue reading → Continue reading →

From Longinus (or whoever): Images, moreover, contribute greatly, my young friend, to dignity, elevation, and power as a pleader.  In this sense some call them mental representations.  In a general way the name of image or imagination is applied to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

I particularly like this bit of wisdom: Accordingly, it is well that we ourselves also, when elaborating anything which requires lofty expression and elevated concepetion, should shape some idea in our minds as to how perchance Homer would have said … Continue reading → Continue reading →

In citing examples of sublimity in Homer’s Odyssey and the Illiad, Longinus points out the action and therefore, passion of the Illiad, written "at the height of his inspiration," versus the narrative of the Odyssey, "as is characteristic of old … Continue reading → Continue reading →

After the usual introduction as to establishing a purpose to this essay, in this case, in answer and expansion to a treatise by Caecilius, the author gets to the naming of those essential elements of what makes up the sublime … Continue reading → Continue reading →

YOU must know, my dear friend, that it is with the sublime as in the common life of man. In life nothing can be considered great which it is held great to despise. (Chapter 7, Part I) It would seem … Continue reading →

I would think that words, and I have found them as gems glittering amid the coal black text, can be as breathtaking as a sunset, or a painting, or a newborn child.  Here is what Longinus has to say about … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Trying to get back into the habit of reading for knowledge as well as literature, and have started Longinus’ On the Sublime online, only because if I order it from amazon.com, it’ll cost me a bundle because I’ll no doubt … Continue reading →

Have been reading just a bit of this online before I decide to "ship now" from Amazon in hard copy form (though I’m rarely in a position where my computer is further than a couple feet from me so just … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Needing philosophy right now, rather than mathematics, history or the sciences although they are related.  From my list I find On The Sublime written by Longinus, Lucretius’ On The Nature of Things, and of course, Augustine.  I surf and scan … Continue reading → Continue reading →