Elevated language

Definition

Elevated language refers to a style of writing that is formal, dignified, and often embellished with literary devices, intended to convey a sense of grandeur or importance. This type of language is typically used in poetry and prose to enhance the emotional and aesthetic experience of the text, elevating the subject matter to resonate more profoundly with the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elevated language is closely tied to the concept of sublimity as outlined by Longinus, where the use of high-style enhances the emotional impact of a work.
2. Statius utilized elevated language in his epics to continue the grand tradition of classical literature, emphasizing heroism and divine intervention.
3. In classical poetry, elevated language serves to align the poem's tone with its subject matter, ensuring that noble subjects are treated with the appropriate level of respect and seriousness.
4. The use of elevated language can involve various literary techniques such as alliteration, metaphor, and elaborate descriptions that contribute to a heightened sense of drama.
5. Elevated language has been historically associated with epic poetry, where it helps to establish a sense of scale and importance that matches the grand narratives being told.

Review Questions

• How does elevated language contribute to the emotional impact of a literary work?
  • Elevated language enhances the emotional impact by using formal and embellished expressions that resonate deeply with readers. It elevates themes and subjects, creating a sense of grandeur that draws readers in. By employing literary devices such as metaphors and vivid imagery, elevated language can evoke strong feelings and create a more immersive reading experience.
• In what ways did Statius incorporate elevated language to maintain the epic tradition?
  • Statius incorporated elevated language through his use of heroic couplets, rich imagery, and grand themes that reflect the ideals of classical epic poetry. By employing a dignified style, he paid homage to earlier works while also infusing his narratives with a contemporary resonance. This approach helped him engage readers emotionally while preserving the lofty standards expected of epic literature.
• Evaluate the role of elevated language in establishing decorum within classical poetry.
  • Elevated language plays a crucial role in establishing decorum by ensuring that the style aligns with the content’s seriousness and nobility. In classical poetry, using high-style diction signifies respect for significant themes and characters. This adherence to decorum not only enhances the aesthetic experience but also ensures that the work resonates with its intended audience, creating a cohesive atmosphere that reflects both form and function.

Related terms

Sublimity: A quality in art and literature that inspires awe or wonder, often achieved through elevated language, strong imagery, and profound themes.

Heroic Couplet: A pair of rhymed lines of iambic pentameter that often employs elevated language, commonly used in epic poetry to convey nobility and grandeur.

Rhetoric: The art of persuasion through effective writing and speaking, where elevated language can be a tool to enhance the impact of an argument or narrative.