On the Sublime by active 1st century Longinus
Summary of the Book
On the Sublime is a treatise written by an unknown author active in the 1st century AD, who is referred to as Longinus. This work is considered to be one of the most influential works on literary criticism of all time. It is believed to have been written during the early part of the 1st century AD.
The treatise is divided into three sections, each focused on a different aspect of literary criticism. The first section is focused on the concept of the sublime, which is an aesthetic experience that is said to be pleasurable and inspiring. The second section examines the techniques used in writing, and in particular the use of rhetoric and figures of speech. The third section looks at the effects of literature on the soul and its power to inspire, move, and educate.
On the Sublime has had a profound impact on the history of literary criticism and has influenced many writers and critics. It has been cited by writers from the ancient world, such as Cicero and Quintilian, to those of the modern world, such as Edmund Burke and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
The main themes of the treatise include the power of the sublime, the use of figures of speech and rhetoric, the effects of literature on the soul, and the importance of style in writing. Longinus also questions the traditional view of literature, which he believes to be too focused on the content of the work and not its form. He argues that the form of the work is just as important as the content and should be taken into consideration when evaluating a work.
Longinus also highlights the importance of emotion in literature, arguing that it is essential for literature to be able to evoke emotion in the reader. He believes that the most successful works of literature are those that are able to move the reader emotionally and intellectually. He also argues that the highest form of the sublime is found in tragedy, which he believes has the power to move the reader to tears.
Interesting Facts
- On the Sublime is believed to be one of the most influential works of literary criticism ever written.
- It has been cited by writers and critics from ancient times to the modern era.
- The main themes of the treatise include the power of the sublime, the use of figures of speech and rhetoric, the effects of literature on the soul, and the importance of style in writing.
- Longinus argues that the form of the work is just as important as the content and should be taken into consideration when evaluating a work.
- He also believes that the most successful works of literature are those that are able to move the reader emotionally and intellectually.
- Longinus highlights the importance of emotion in literature and believes that the highest form of the sublime is found in tragedy.
FAQs
Who wrote On the Sublime?
On the Sublime was written by an unknown author active in the 1st century AD, who is referred to as Longinus.
What is the purpose of On the Sublime?
The purpose of On the Sublime is to provide a comprehensive discussion of the concepts of literary criticism and the use of rhetoric and figures of speech in writing. It also examines the effects of literature on the soul and the importance of style in writing.
What are the main themes of On the Sublime?
The main themes of On the Sublime include the power of the sublime, the use of figures of speech and rhetoric, the effects of literature on the soul, and the importance of style in writing.
What is Longinus’ view on the traditional view of literature?
Longinus believes that the traditional view of literature is too focused on the content of the work and not its form. He argues that the form of the work is just as important as the content and should be taken into consideration when evaluating a work.
What is Longinus’ view on the importance of emotion in literature?
Longinus believes that emotion is essential for literature to be able to evoke emotion in the reader. He believes that the most successful works of literature are those that are able to move the reader emotionally and intellectually. He also argues that the highest form of the sublime is found in tragedy, which he believes has the power to move the reader to tears.