, LONGINUS: SOURCES OF SUBLIMITY
INTRODUCTION: Longinus is one of the greatest Greek critics. His position is
only next to Aristotle. His 'On the Sublime' is an immortal critical document of
great worth and significance. It deals with the principle of sublimity in the
world of writing. Here Longinus discusses the meaning, the nature and the
sources of sublime. He distinguishes the true sublime from the false sublime.
He advises how to overcome the vices of sublime. His suggestions are of
permanent and paramount value.
WHAT IS SUBLIMITY: Sublimity is a certain loftiness, distinction and
consummation of excellence in language, expression and composition. It is
the echo of a great soul. It raises style above the ordinary. Some persons are
of the view that sublimity is a gift of nature. They think that it has nothing to
do with art. But one should not forget that nature needs the help of art to
control its wild impulses. In fact, both nature and art contribute to sublimity
in literature. According to Longinus, 'Art is perfect when it seems to be
nature, and nature hits the mark when she contains art hidden within her'.
Longinus identifies pitfalls that one should avoid in the quest for
sublimity:
1) Bombastic Words: - Use of pompous Language removes the true beauty of
work. It is as great an evil as swellings of the body. It is drier than dropsy. Use
of grand words for trivial object will be ridiculous.
2)Childishness:-If a writer or poet uses immature and childish themes, his
work will arise false sublime.
3)Lack of Passion: - The false sublime results when there is a cheap display
of passion and when the passion is not justified by the occasion.
4) Defect of Style: - The Use of bombastic words and the far- fetched ideas
make the style defective.
INTRODUCTION: Longinus is one of the greatest Greek critics. His position is
only next to Aristotle. His 'On the Sublime' is an immortal critical document of
great worth and significance. It deals with the principle of sublimity in the
world of writing. Here Longinus discusses the meaning, the nature and the
sources of sublime. He distinguishes the true sublime from the false sublime.
He advises how to overcome the vices of sublime. His suggestions are of
permanent and paramount value.
WHAT IS SUBLIMITY: Sublimity is a certain loftiness, distinction and
consummation of excellence in language, expression and composition. It is
the echo of a great soul. It raises style above the ordinary. Some persons are
of the view that sublimity is a gift of nature. They think that it has nothing to
do with art. But one should not forget that nature needs the help of art to
control its wild impulses. In fact, both nature and art contribute to sublimity
in literature. According to Longinus, 'Art is perfect when it seems to be
nature, and nature hits the mark when she contains art hidden within her'.
Longinus identifies pitfalls that one should avoid in the quest for
sublimity:
1) Bombastic Words: - Use of pompous Language removes the true beauty of
work. It is as great an evil as swellings of the body. It is drier than dropsy. Use
of grand words for trivial object will be ridiculous.
2)Childishness:-If a writer or poet uses immature and childish themes, his
work will arise false sublime.
3)Lack of Passion: - The false sublime results when there is a cheap display
of passion and when the passion is not justified by the occasion.
4) Defect of Style: - The Use of bombastic words and the far- fetched ideas
make the style defective.
