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According to Longinus, what are the five elements of the Sublime?

Longinus and the Five Elements of the Sublime

Longinus, a prominent Greek critic and rhetorician, is best known for his work "On the Sublime," which has had a lasting impact on the field of literary criticism. This treatise, written in the 1st century CE, delves into the nature of the sublime, a concept that encompasses the grandeur, power, and emotional intensity of a literary work. Longinus identifies five primary sources or elements that contribute to the creation of the sublime in literature. These elements—great thoughts, strong emotions, appropriate use of figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified arrangement—collectively elevate a work beyond the ordinary, leaving a profound and lasting impression on the audience. This essay explores these five elements in detail, examining their significance and interrelation in the creation of the sublime.

1. Great Thoughts (Megethos Tes Dianoias)

The first element Longinus identifies is the presence of great thoughts or ideas. According to Longinus, the sublimity of a work is deeply rooted in the grandeur and nobility of its subject matter. Great thoughts involve profound and elevated themes that transcend the mundane, engaging with universal truths, philosophical reflections, and the human condition.

Significance of Great Thoughts

Transcendence: Great thoughts enable a work to transcend everyday experiences and concerns, reaching for higher truths and deeper meanings. This transcendence is essential for achieving the emotional and intellectual impact characteristic of the sublime.

Universality: Themes that resonate universally, such as heroism, justice, and the divine, contribute to the enduring power of a work. By addressing issues that are relevant across time and cultures, great thoughts ensure that the work remains impactful.

Depth and Complexity: The depth and complexity of ideas engage the reader's mind, encouraging reflection and contemplation. This intellectual engagement is a key aspect of the sublime, fostering a lasting connection between the reader and the work.

2. Strong Emotions (Pathos)

The second element of the sublime is the expression of strong emotions. Longinus emphasizes that the capacity to evoke powerful feelings in the audience is a crucial aspect of sublimity. These emotions can range from awe and admiration to terror and despair, but they must be genuine and intense.

Significance of Strong Emotions

Emotional Resonance: Strong emotions create an immediate and visceral response in the audience, making the experience of the work more vivid and memorable. This emotional resonance is central to the impact of the sublime.

Authenticity: The expression of authentic emotions lends credibility and sincerity to the work. Readers or viewers are more likely to be moved by emotions that feel real and uncontrived.

Connection: By evoking strong emotions, the work establishes a deeper connection with the audience, engaging them on a personal and emotional level. This connection enhances the overall experience of the sublime.

3. Appropriate Use of Figures of Speech (Schēmata Tōn Logōn)

The third element is the appropriate use of figures of speech or rhetorical devices. Longinus argues that the judicious use of metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and other figures of speech can elevate the language of a work, adding richness and depth to its expression.

Significance of Figures of Speech

Enhancement of Meaning: Figures of speech enhance the meaning of a text by adding layers of significance and resonance. They allow the writer to convey complex ideas and emotions more effectively.

Aesthetic Appeal: The use of rhetorical devices contributes to the aesthetic beauty of a work. A well-crafted metaphor or simile can create a striking and memorable image, adding to the overall impact of the text.

Engagement: Rhetorical devices engage the reader’s imagination and intellect, encouraging them to explore the deeper meanings and implications of the text. This engagement is essential for achieving the sublime.

4. Noble Diction (Lexis Hypselos)

The fourth element is noble diction, which refers to the choice of words and phrases that are elevated, dignified, and appropriate to the subject matter. Longinus believes that the language used in a work should reflect the grandeur of its themes and ideas.

Significance of Noble Diction

Elevation of Language: Noble diction elevates the language of a work, making it more fitting for the expression of great thoughts and strong emotions. This elevation is crucial for creating the impression of sublimity.

Appropriateness: The choice of words must be appropriate to the subject matter, ensuring that the language complements and enhances the themes of the work. Inappropriate or overly simplistic language can detract from the impact of the sublime.

Power and Precision: Noble diction combines power and precision, using words that are both forceful and exact. This combination ensures that the language of the work is impactful and memorable.

5. Dignified Arrangement (Synthesis)

The fifth and final element identified by Longinus is dignified arrangement, or the careful and thoughtful structuring of the work. This includes the organization of ideas, the flow of the narrative, and the overall coherence of the text.

Significance of Dignified Arrangement

Coherence and Unity: A dignified arrangement ensures that the work is coherent and unified, with all parts contributing to the overall effect. This coherence is essential for maintaining the reader’s engagement and creating a lasting impression.

Clarity and Focus: Thoughtful structuring enhances the clarity and focus of the work, making it easier for the reader to follow and understand the ideas being presented. This clarity is important for achieving the intellectual impact of the sublime.

Rhythm and Pacing: The arrangement of the text also affects its rhythm and pacing, which can influence the emotional and aesthetic impact of the work. A well-paced narrative can build tension and anticipation, enhancing the overall experience of the sublime.

Interrelation of the Five Elements

While each of the five elements identified by Longinus contributes to the creation of the sublime in its own right, they are most effective when used in combination. The interplay between great thoughts, strong emotions, figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified arrangement creates a synergistic effect, enhancing the overall impact of the work.

Synergy and Balance

Integration of Elements: The integration of these elements ensures that the work is both intellectually and emotionally engaging, providing a rich and multifaceted experience for the reader. Great thoughts are brought to life through strong emotions, articulated with noble diction, enhanced by figures of speech, and structured through dignified arrangement.

Balance and Harmony: Achieving the sublime requires a balance and harmony between the different elements. Overemphasis on one element at the expense of others can disrupt the overall effect. For example, excessive use of rhetorical devices without substantive ideas can result in empty ornamentation, while profound ideas expressed in clumsy language can fail to resonate.

Longinus' Legacy and Influence

Longinus' exploration of the sublime and its elements has had a lasting influence on literary criticism and theory. His emphasis on the emotional and intellectual impact of literature, as well as the importance of rhetorical and aesthetic techniques, has shaped subsequent discussions of literary excellence and artistic expression.

Influence on Romanticism

Longinus' ideas were particularly influential during the Romantic period, when poets and critics sought to capture the sublime in their works. The Romantic emphasis on intense emotions, grand themes, and the power of nature can be traced back to Longinus' conception of the sublime.

Modern Criticism

In modern literary criticism, Longinus' emphasis on the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of literature continues to resonate. His insights into the power of language, the importance of thematic depth, and the need for careful structuring remain relevant to contemporary discussions of literary quality and impact.

Conclusion

Longinus' identification of the five elements of the sublime—great thoughts, strong emotions, appropriate use of figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified arrangement—provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the creation of sublimity in literature. Each element contributes to the overall impact of a work, ensuring that it engages both the intellect and emotions of the reader. The interplay and balance between these elements create a synergistic effect, elevating the work beyond the ordinary and leaving a lasting impression. Longinus' insights have had a profound and enduring influence on literary criticism, shaping our understanding of the power and potential of artistic expression. Through his analysis, we gain a deeper appreciation for the elements that make a literary work truly sublime.


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