Longinus

Definition

Longinus is a name associated with a Greek philosopher and literary critic, traditionally credited with authoring the treatise 'On the Sublime'. This work explores the concept of the sublime in literature and art, emphasizing the emotional impact and elevated quality that sublime works evoke in audiences. The ideas presented by Longinus have greatly influenced various cultural interpretations of sublimity, particularly during the Romantic period and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Longinus believed that the sublime is achieved through strong emotions, vivid imagery, and effective use of language, which elevates a work beyond ordinary experiences.
2. His treatise discusses various examples of sublime literature, including works by Homer, Plato, and other classical authors, demonstrating the timeless relevance of his ideas.
3. Longinus differentiates between natural sublimity, which stems from the subject matter itself, and artificial sublimity, created through skillful language and technique.
4. The concept of the sublime has been revisited in various cultural contexts, influencing writers and artists from the Romantic period to contemporary literature.
5. Longinus's ideas contributed to a deeper understanding of how literature can evoke powerful emotional responses, shaping critical discourse in literary studies.

Review Questions

• How does Longinus differentiate between natural and artificial sublimity in his treatise 'On the Sublime'?
  • In 'On the Sublime', Longinus distinguishes between natural sublimity, which arises from the inherent greatness or beauty of a subject, and artificial sublimity, which is crafted through an author's skillful use of language and technique. Natural sublimity is linked to grand themes or profound emotions found in nature or life experiences. In contrast, artificial sublimity relies on rhetorical devices and stylistic flourishes to create an impactful effect on the audience.
• Discuss how Longinus's concept of the sublime has influenced Romantic writers and their portrayal of nature and emotion.
  • Longinus's ideas about the sublime significantly impacted Romantic writers who sought to explore deep emotional experiences through their connection with nature. Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley drew on Longinian principles by emphasizing intense feelings and the grandeur of the natural world in their works. This alignment with Longinus allowed them to elevate ordinary experiences into profound moments that resonate with readers on an emotional level, thus reinforcing the enduring relevance of his concept of sublimity.
• Evaluate Longinus's legacy in contemporary literary criticism regarding the understanding of emotional response in art.
  • Longinus's legacy remains vital in contemporary literary criticism as his exploration of emotional response continues to inform discussions about art's impact on audiences. His framework for understanding sublimity encourages critics and readers alike to examine how literature evokes feelings of awe or transcendence. As scholars analyze diverse texts across cultures and eras, Longinus's insights provide valuable tools for interpreting how different works elicit profound emotional reactions, reinforcing the idea that art can elevate human experience beyond everyday existence.

Related terms

Sublime: A quality of greatness or vastness that inspires awe or wonder, often transcending ordinary experiences and evoking strong emotional responses.

Aestheticism: A movement in art and literature that emphasizes beauty and sensory experiences over moral or political themes, closely related to the exploration of the sublime.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the sublime as central themes in response to Enlightenment rationalism.