12.1 The concept of the sublime in Classical rhetoric and poetics
3 min read•august 9, 2024
The concept of the in Classical rhetoric is all about using powerful language to blow people's minds. It's like when a speech or piece of writing is so amazing, it makes you feel small but also part of something huge.
, an ancient Greek writer, was the OG of theory. He said , , and fancy words could create this mind-blowing effect. It's not just about sounding smart – it's about making people feel something big.
The Concept of the Sublime
Defining the Sublime in Classical Rhetoric
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- Sublime refers to a quality of greatness or that transcends ordinary experience
- , Greek term for height or elevation, forms the root of the concept of sublimity
- encompasses the use of elevated language and powerful imagery to evoke strong emotions
- describes the uplifting effect has on an audience's psyche
- Sublime rhetoric aims to transport listeners beyond everyday concerns to contemplate lofty ideas
- Characteristics of sublime expression include , , and
Components of Sublime Expression
- and profound insights form the foundation of sublime content
- or infuses the expression with authenticity and impact
- involves choosing elevated, dignified words to match the gravity of the subject
- , especially metaphors and similes, helps convey abstract or transcendent concepts
- and of words and ideas contribute to the overall sublime effect
- balances grandeur with clarity to ensure the message remains comprehensible
Psychological Effects of the Sublime
Transcendent Experiences Through Rhetoric
- involves mentally and emotionally surpassing normal limitations
- Sublime rhetoric can induce a sense of that expands one's perspective
- Listeners may experience a feeling of connection to something greater than themselves
- occur as the mind grapples with ideas beyond everyday experience
- can lead to personal growth and expanded consciousness
- Historical examples of transcendent rhetoric include Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech
Emotional Responses to the Sublime
- , a mixture of wonder and fear, is a primary response to sublime experiences
- to awe can include goosebumps, increased heart rate, or a sense of physical smallness
- , an overwhelming feeling of joy or rapture, may result from encountering sublime ideas or expression
- Emotional elevation can inspire listeners to aspire to higher moral or intellectual standards
- , or emotional purging, may occur as a result of engaging with sublime concepts
- Sublime experiences can foster a sense of or shared humanity among an audience
Key Figures in the Study of the Sublime
Longinus and His Contributions
- Longinus, likely a 1st-century CE Greek rhetorician, authored the seminal work "On the Sublime"
- His treatise explores the sources and effects of sublimity in literature and oratory
- Longinus identified five sources of the sublime: great thoughts, strong emotions, , noble diction, and
- He emphasized the importance of genuine passion and sincerity in creating sublime effects
- Longinus' work influenced later thinkers and writers, particularly during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods
- His ideas on the sublime continue to shape modern literary criticism and rhetorical theory
Other Influential Thinkers on the Sublime
- , 18th-century Irish philosopher, wrote ""
- Burke distinguished between the sublime (associated with fear and awe) and the beautiful (linked to pleasure and love)
- explored the sublime in his "," categorizing it into mathematical and
- , German philosopher and playwright, connected the sublime to moral elevation and human freedom
- Romantic poets (, ) incorporated concepts of the sublime into their nature poetry
- Contemporary scholars continue to examine the relevance of the sublime in modern rhetoric and media studies
Key Terms to Review (42)
A philosophical enquiry into the origin of our ideas of the sublime and beautiful: This term refers to the exploration of how our perceptions of beauty and sublimity are formed and understood. It seeks to understand the roots of these aesthetic concepts, examining both emotional responses and intellectual interpretations. This inquiry often bridges philosophy, art, and literature, considering how different cultures and periods have influenced these ideas over time.
Arrangement: Arrangement refers to the organization and structure of a rhetorical work, particularly how ideas and arguments are ordered to achieve the intended effect on the audience. This involves the careful placement of various elements, such as introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, and conclusion, to enhance clarity and impact. In the context of classical rhetoric and poetics, arrangement plays a crucial role in guiding the audience's emotional and intellectual responses, especially when exploring elevated concepts like the sublime.
Awe: Awe is an emotional response characterized by a mix of wonder, admiration, and reverence, often in the presence of something vast, powerful, or sublime. It plays a crucial role in understanding the sublime in literature and art, as it evokes a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of existence, leading to heightened emotional experiences.
Bold metaphors: Bold metaphors are striking and imaginative comparisons that create powerful imagery and evoke strong emotions, often elevating language to a more artistic level. They are used to express complex ideas or emotions in a vivid manner, enhancing the overall impact of a piece of writing. Such metaphors can create a sense of the sublime, connecting deeply with the audience's senses and feelings.
Catharsis: Catharsis is the emotional release or purification that an audience experiences through art, particularly in the context of tragedy. This concept is central to Classical Poetics as it emphasizes the transformative power of literature and drama, allowing viewers to confront their emotions and achieve a sense of relief or renewal.
Cognitive shifts: Cognitive shifts refer to the changes in perception or understanding that occur when one encounters new information or experiences that challenge existing beliefs or frameworks. These shifts can enhance the comprehension of concepts, especially when dealing with complex ideas like the sublime, leading to a deeper appreciation and understanding of their emotional and aesthetic impact.
Coleridge: Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher known for his contributions to the Romantic movement in literature. His work emphasized imagination, emotion, and the concept of the sublime, exploring the profound and often transcendent experiences of nature and human existence.
Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement and organization of elements within a work of art, literature, or rhetoric, which helps convey meaning and evoke responses. It encompasses various aspects like structure, style, and the interplay of ideas that come together to create a cohesive whole. In the context of classical rhetoric and poetics, composition plays a vital role in how ideas are articulated and presented, impacting the overall effectiveness of the message delivered.
Critique of judgment: The critique of judgment refers to the philosophical examination of aesthetic and teleological judgments, primarily articulated by Immanuel Kant in his work 'Critique of Judgment.' This concept explores how human perception relates to beauty, the sublime, and the moral implications of our judgments about nature and art. It connects deeply with discussions on the sublime by addressing how individuals experience feelings of awe and sublimity, and it also influences literary criticism by shaping how aesthetic value is assessed in various contexts.
Dignified composition: Dignified composition refers to a style of writing that evokes respect and admiration, often characterized by its grandeur, seriousness, and elevated language. It is closely linked to the concept of the sublime, which aims to inspire awe and elevate the reader's experience through powerful imagery and emotional depth.
Dynamical sublime: The dynamical sublime refers to the overwhelming sense of awe and terror inspired by nature's vastness and power, which evokes both admiration and fear. This concept is linked to the idea that certain natural phenomena, like storms or towering mountains, can invoke a deep emotional response in the observer, leading to an appreciation of the sublime that transcends ordinary beauty.
Ecstasy: Ecstasy refers to an overwhelming feeling of joy or rapture that can transport an individual beyond ordinary experience. In the context of classical rhetoric and poetics, ecstasy is often linked to the sublime, a concept that evokes feelings of awe and transcendence, allowing the audience to experience heightened emotional and intellectual states through art and literature.
Edmund Burke: Edmund Burke was an Irish statesman and philosopher, best known for his work 'A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful,' which explores the concept of the sublime as an aesthetic experience that evokes feelings of awe and terror. His ideas on the sublime have significantly influenced modern literary criticism and the understanding of emotional responses in art, making him a key figure in both Classical rhetoric and poetics.
Emotional elevation: Emotional elevation refers to the intense feeling of uplift or inspiration that occurs when one encounters sublime experiences, often characterized by beauty, greatness, or profound significance. This feeling can lead to a sense of transcendence and a deep connection with something greater than oneself, emphasizing the power of art and nature in evoking strong emotional responses.
Figurative language: Figurative language refers to the use of words and expressions that deviate from their literal meanings to convey complex ideas, emotions, and images. It enriches writing by appealing to the senses and allowing deeper emotional connections, making it essential in various forms of literature and poetry.
Figures of Speech: Figures of speech are rhetorical devices or expressions that convey meaning in a non-literal way, often enhancing the emotional or aesthetic impact of language. They include various techniques like similes, metaphors, and hyperbole, allowing writers to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas more effectively. In the context of Classical rhetoric and poetics, figures of speech play a crucial role in elevating the sublime experience by engaging the audience's emotions and imagination.
Friedrich Schiller: Friedrich Schiller was a German poet, philosopher, and playwright who significantly influenced the development of Romanticism and the concept of the sublime in literature. He is best known for his exploration of aesthetic ideals and moral philosophy, particularly in his essays and plays that delve into the complexities of human experience and the nature of beauty. Schiller's works often reflect a deep engagement with emotions and their capacity to elevate human consciousness.
Genuine emotion: Genuine emotion refers to the authentic and sincere feelings expressed by an individual, often conveying deep personal experiences and truths. In the context of rhetoric and poetics, this concept is vital as it enhances the persuasive power of a work and its ability to resonate with the audience. Genuine emotion can elevate art by creating connections that transcend mere intellectual engagement, engaging the audience's heart and mind.
Grandeur: Grandeur refers to the quality of being grand, impressive, or awe-inspiring. In the context of classical rhetoric and poetics, it often describes the elevated and sublime qualities found in art and literature that evoke feelings of admiration and respect. This sense of magnificence can be expressed through various stylistic elements, themes, and imagery that elevate the experience of the audience, encouraging them to contemplate deeper meanings and emotions.
Great thoughts: Great thoughts refer to the profound and elevated ideas that evoke a sense of awe and admiration, often associated with the concept of the sublime in art and literature. These thoughts not only challenge the intellect but also stir deep emotional responses, elevating the experience beyond mere understanding. The notion of great thoughts is linked to the ability to transcend ordinary perception, capturing the essence of sublime experiences that resonate with human emotions and aspirations.
Hypsos: Hypsos is a term rooted in Classical rhetoric and poetics that refers to a sense of elevation or grandeur, often associated with the sublime. It captures the feeling of awe or transcendent beauty that can elevate the human experience, connecting individuals to something greater than themselves. The concept is often linked to themes of inspiration, grandeur, and the ability of art to elevate both the subject and the audience.
Immanuel Kant: Immanuel Kant was an 18th-century German philosopher whose ideas have had a profound influence on modern philosophy, especially in aesthetics and the concept of the sublime. He proposed that the sublime represents an experience of awe and beauty that transcends ordinary understanding, involving both pleasure and pain as one confronts the vastness of nature or the universe. His work laid the groundwork for later discussions on how humans perceive beauty and the emotional impact of art.
Intense passion: Intense passion refers to a strong and fervent emotional state that compels individuals to experience or create profound feelings. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of the sublime, where heightened emotions lead to extraordinary experiences in art and literature. The feeling of intense passion can elevate ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, creating a sense of awe or beauty that transcends the mundane.
Longinus: Longinus is the name attributed to the author of 'On the Sublime', a significant work in Classical rhetoric that explores the concept of the sublime in literature and oratory. His ideas focus on how elevated language and style can evoke profound emotional responses in audiences, which connects deeply to the broader tradition of Classical literature and its enduring impact on later literary criticism.
Mathematical sublime: The mathematical sublime refers to an aesthetic experience derived from the vastness, infinity, and grandeur of mathematical concepts and ideas. It emphasizes the overwhelming beauty found in abstract mathematics, showcasing how the complexity and depth of these ideas can evoke feelings of awe and transcendence, which aligns with the broader understanding of the sublime in rhetoric and poetics.
Noble diction: Noble diction refers to a specific style of language that is elevated, grand, and often formal, used to convey serious or lofty ideas. This type of diction is significant in classical rhetoric and poetics because it aims to inspire awe and elevate the subject matter, playing a crucial role in the expression of the sublime. Noble diction is linked to how language can evoke strong emotional responses and enhance the overall impact of a text.
Physiological reactions: Physiological reactions refer to the automatic bodily responses triggered by stimuli, often linked to emotions and perceptions. These reactions can include changes in heart rate, respiration, muscle tension, and hormonal fluctuations, and they play a significant role in how individuals experience and interpret feelings of the sublime.
Powerful thoughts: Powerful thoughts refer to profound ideas or concepts that evoke strong emotional responses and have the ability to inspire, elevate, or provoke critical reflection in the audience. In the realm of classical rhetoric and poetics, these thoughts often intersect with the concept of the sublime, as they push the boundaries of ordinary experience and evoke feelings of awe or transcendence, urging both the writer and the reader to connect with deeper existential themes.
Rhetorical grandeur: Rhetorical grandeur refers to the use of elevated language and stylistic devices in speech or writing that evoke a sense of awe, beauty, or magnificence. This concept is closely linked to the idea of the sublime, where the goal is to elevate the audience's emotional experience and provoke deep admiration through powerful imagery, grand ideas, and persuasive techniques.
Rhythmic language: Rhythmic language refers to the structured arrangement of words in a way that creates a specific rhythm or musical quality in speech or writing. This concept is crucial in crafting poetry and prose, as it can enhance emotional resonance and engage the audience more deeply. The rhythmic patterns can evoke feelings, draw attention to certain phrases, and contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of a text.
Romanticism: Romanticism is an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature. It marked a departure from the rationalism of the Enlightenment and celebrated personal experience, creativity, and the sublime, influencing literature, art, and philosophy across various genres.
Strong emotions: Strong emotions refer to intense feelings that evoke powerful reactions, often influencing perception, behavior, and artistic expression. In the context of Classical rhetoric and poetics, strong emotions play a crucial role in eliciting responses from audiences, shaping the way messages are conveyed and understood. These emotions are often tied to the concept of the sublime, which seeks to elevate experiences and create a profound connection between the audience and the artwork or rhetoric.
Sublime: The sublime refers to an aesthetic quality that inspires a sense of awe, wonder, or transcendent beauty, often evoking feelings of grandeur or vastness. It plays a crucial role in understanding how emotions and imagination intersect with art, particularly in the context of Classical Poetics, where it serves to elevate the experience of both creators and audiences through powerful expression and rhetoric.
Sublime: The sublime refers to an aesthetic quality that evokes a sense of awe, grandeur, or beauty that is beyond human comprehension. This concept emphasizes the power of art to elevate emotions and provoke profound contemplation, often eliciting feelings of both pleasure and terror. In classical rhetoric and poetics, the sublime serves as a way for poets and writers to create impactful experiences that resonate deeply with audiences, influencing later theories of poetic expression.
Sublime rhetoric: Sublime rhetoric refers to the art of expressing ideas in a way that evokes awe, beauty, or elevated emotion, often aiming to inspire or move the audience deeply. This concept is rooted in classical rhetoric and poetics, where the sublime is associated with the ability of language to transcend ordinary experience and evoke a sense of greatness or grandeur. It plays a crucial role in persuasive discourse by enhancing the emotional resonance and intellectual impact of a message.
Sublime style: Sublime style refers to a particular mode of expression in literature and rhetoric that aims to elevate the subject matter and evoke strong emotional responses through grandeur, beauty, and elevated language. This style is often characterized by the use of lofty imagery, intense emotions, and powerful rhetorical devices that aspire to transcend ordinary experience and inspire awe or admiration in the audience.
Transcendence: Transcendence refers to the quality of going beyond ordinary limits, often associated with elevated experiences that inspire awe or admiration. It connects deeply to the idea of the sublime, evoking emotions that elevate the mind and spirit above mundane existence. This concept is crucial in understanding how language can evoke feelings that reach beyond the everyday, allowing for profound emotional and intellectual experiences in art and literature.
Transcendent experiences: Transcendent experiences are profound moments that go beyond ordinary perception and understanding, often invoking feelings of awe, unity, and connection to something greater than oneself. These experiences can elevate the individual's consciousness and foster deep emotional or spiritual responses, often linked to the concept of the sublime in rhetoric and poetics.
Unity: Unity refers to the coherence and harmony of all elements in a work, creating a single, cohesive piece that communicates a clear idea or theme. In poetry and literature, unity ensures that every part contributes meaningfully to the whole, enhancing the overall impact of the work. This concept is crucial in understanding how various components, such as structure and emotion, work together to form a unified expression.
Vastness: Vastness refers to the immense, boundless quality of space or scope that evokes feelings of grandeur and awe. In the context of rhetoric and poetics, it is connected to the concept of the sublime, where the overwhelming scale of an idea or imagery can elevate emotions and provoke a deeper response in the audience.
Vivid descriptions: Vivid descriptions are detailed and evocative portrayals that aim to create strong mental images in the reader's mind. These descriptions often engage the senses, enhancing the emotional and aesthetic impact of a piece of writing. In the context of classical rhetoric and poetics, vivid descriptions serve to elevate the sublime experience by making abstract concepts tangible and relatable.
Wordsworth: William Wordsworth was an English Romantic poet known for his profound connection to nature and his emphasis on the sublime experience in poetry. His work often explores the beauty and power of nature, highlighting the emotional responses it evokes in humans. Wordsworth's poetry reflects a shift towards valuing personal experience and individual emotion, aligning with the broader themes of the sublime that emphasize awe, grandeur, and the transcendent aspects of nature.