The sublime

Definition

The sublime refers to an aesthetic quality that inspires feelings of awe, wonder, and sometimes terror in the observer. It often involves encounters with nature or art that evoke vastness, grandeur, or beauty that transcends ordinary experience, leading to a sense of the infinite. In the context of poetry, particularly with writers like Thomas Gray and Edward Young, the sublime is tied to themes of mortality, the vastness of the universe, and the profound emotions elicited by death and loss.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thomas Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' reflects on mortality and the sublime through its meditation on death and nature.
2. Edward Young's 'Night Thoughts' explores themes of existential dread and contemplation of the afterlife, showcasing the emotional impact of the sublime.
3. The sublime often contrasts beauty with terror, illustrating how overwhelming experiences can provoke both fear and admiration.
4. In the works of Gray and Young, the sublime serves as a way to grapple with human mortality and our place in the universe.
5. The notion of the sublime during this period paved the way for later Romantic writers who expanded on its themes in their exploration of nature and human emotion.

Review Questions

• How do Thomas Gray's poems illustrate the concept of the sublime in their treatment of death and nature?
  • Thomas Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' illustrates the sublime by reflecting on the inevitability of death while capturing the beauty of nature surrounding a graveyard. The juxtaposition of serene landscapes with thoughts of mortality evokes feelings of awe and melancholy, creating a profound emotional experience for readers. This combination not only highlights the physical beauty of the setting but also emphasizes the deeper existential themes inherent in confronting our own mortality.
• In what ways does Edward Young's 'Night Thoughts' exemplify the theme of transcendence associated with the sublime?
  • Edward Young's 'Night Thoughts' exemplifies transcendence through its exploration of profound existential questions about life, death, and the afterlife. The poem delves into deep emotional states as it confronts dark thoughts at night, where the sublime emerges from contemplating both divine presence and human despair. This journey beyond ordinary understanding elevates readers' thoughts to consider their own spiritual existence and the mysteries that lie beyond life.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of the sublime by Gray and Young influences our understanding of human emotion in response to mortality.
  • The portrayal of the sublime by Gray and Young significantly influences our understanding of human emotion regarding mortality by revealing how confronting death can evoke both fear and beauty. Their works prompt readers to grapple with feelings of awe as they consider life's transience against a backdrop of nature's grandeur. By intertwining themes of loss with moments of reflective beauty, they cultivate an emotional complexity that resonates deeply, allowing for a richer comprehension of how individuals navigate their feelings about existence and inevitable death.

Related terms

Romanticism: A cultural movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often exploring themes of the sublime as a way to connect with deeper human experiences.

Transcendence: The state of going beyond ordinary limits; in art and philosophy, it often relates to experiences that elevate the mind beyond typical understanding.

Sublime Nature: Refers specifically to the aspects of nature that evoke a sense of awe and wonder, often linked to landscapes or phenomena that are overwhelming in their beauty or power.