Does It Mean the Quality of Writing
By: Stenly • Essay • 1,431 Words • January 26, 2009 • 1,950 Views
Essay title: Does It Mean the Quality of Writing
We may have some problems when we read a text which is difficult for us. In this case, our
ability to understand the text is insufficient to interpret the text and failed to deal with
essential points. The writers first priciple has to consider useful help for readers. "Two things
are required of any textbooks:first, that it should explain what its subject is; second, and more
important, that it should be explain how and by what methods we can achieve it." ( Longinus,
pp.462). At that time, we need sublime which shows us the quality of writing. For Longinus,
the sublime describes great, and elevated language. In this way, readers get the quality, which
they want, and they reach an enthusiasm. I try to answer what is the meaning of sublimity,
what is the differences of sublimity, what the real sublimity is, and also what is the
relationship between real sublimity and imitation.
Longinus illustrates Sublimity which is a kind of eminence or excellence of discourse.
Longinus uses different words to describe the meaning of sublimity, but the most important
thing is that ecstasy associated with sublime. Sublime produces ecstasy rather persuation
according to Longinus assignment. "the combination of wonder and astonishment always
proves superior to the merely persuasive and pleasant. This is because persuation is on the
whole something we can control, whereas amazement and wonder exert invincible power and
force and get the better of every hearer." (Longinus, pp.462). We can understand that if
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something is sublime, we don't have a choice, we can't control the text but if something is not
a sublime, you can control the text, you can create your own text. Creation is up to you, it
means intellectual bussiness. But sublimity does not give a chance to control the text.
Sublimity is a kind of explosion which is beyond human comprehension according to
the text. "Some people think it is a complete mistake to reduce things like this to technical
rules. Greatness, the argument runs, is a natural product, and does not come by teaching.
The only art is to be born like that." (Longinus, pp.463). Longinus disagrees this arguement.
He thinks that sublimity is not absolutely natural, sublime is a not a thing that we born to it.
That's why sublime is a thing which does not only come from born but gains by teaching
according to Longinus. Sublimity shows us a combination of nature and art. It means that
not only something can be learned after you born, but also something can come from our
nature.
Sublimity arouses the feeling of elevation for the readers. "It is our nature to be elevated
and exalted by true sublimity. Filled with joy and pride, we come to believe we have created
what we have only heard." (Longinus, pp.467). It means that if you see the true sublime, you
are lifted up because you are the the author of the text. It improves the ability of perceptions.
If the text only consists of common words, it means that this is not true sublimity. In other
words, something that you hear many times, not means sublimity. Real sublimity arouse a