Longinus identified five sources of sublimity in writing: grandeur of thought, powerful emotions, noble diction, dignified word arrangement, and elevated composition. These elements work together to create a sense of awe and transcendence in literature.

Understanding these sources helps writers craft impactful works that move readers emotionally and intellectually. By mastering these techniques, authors can elevate their writing to achieve true sublimity and lasting impact.

Grandeur of Thought and Emotion

Elevating Ideas and Emotional Intensity

• Grand thoughts encompass profound, lofty ideas that transcend ordinary experiences
• Grandeur of conception involves formulating expansive, awe-inspiring concepts or visions
• Intensity of emotion infuses the work with powerful, deeply felt sentiments
• Passionate and enthusiastic tone conveys the author's fervor and excitement about the subject matter
• Sublime works often explore universal themes (love, death, nature) with exceptional depth and insight
• Authors may use vivid imagery or metaphors to evoke strong emotional responses in readers

Techniques for Achieving Grandeur

• Employ hyperbole to emphasize the magnitude of ideas or emotions
• Utilize contrast to highlight the extraordinary nature of concepts (juxtaposing the mundane with the sublime)
• Incorporate rhetorical questions to engage readers and provoke contemplation
• Draw upon mythological or historical allusions to add gravitas to the work
• Create a sense of vastness or infinity through descriptions of natural phenomena (starry skies, endless oceans)
• Explore paradoxes or seemingly contradictory ideas to challenge readers' perceptions

Nobility of Expression

Elevated Language and Composition

• Noble diction involves selecting words with dignified, formal, or poetic connotations
• Elevated composition refers to the overall structure and arrangement of ideas in a refined manner
• Dignified and elevated word arrangement creates a sense of gravitas and importance in the text
• Authors may use archaic or rare words to enhance the sense of nobility in their writing
• Lengthy, complex sentences can contribute to a more sophisticated and elevated style
• Figurative language (metaphors, similes) adds depth and richness to the expression of ideas

Rhetorical Devices for Noble Expression

• Employ anaphora (repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses) for emphasis and rhythm
• Utilize chiasmus (inverted parallelism) to create a sense of balance and sophistication in phrasing
• Incorporate hendiadys (expression of a single idea using two words connected by "and") for poetic effect
• Use polysyndeton (repetition of conjunctions) to create a sense of abundance or grandeur
• Implement periodic sentences (main clause at the end) to build suspense and emphasize key points
• Employ apostrophe (addressing an absent person or abstract concept) to add drama and emotional weight