key term - Sublime

Definition

The sublime refers to an aesthetic quality that inspires feelings of awe and wonder, often evoking a sense of beauty that transcends ordinary experience. This term connects deeply with emotional responses to nature, the supernatural, and the human condition, often characterized by vastness, grandeur, and a certain degree of terror or the overwhelming. The sublime invites contemplation and can lead to personal transformation, creating profound connections between the individual and the universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sublime is often linked to Romantic literature, where writers express a deep emotional response to nature's grandeur and terror.
2. In 'Frankenstein', the sublime is embodied in the overwhelming power of nature, reflecting Victor Frankenstein's inner turmoil and the consequences of human ambition.
3. The Brontë sisters utilized elements of the sublime in their works, portraying vast landscapes that evoke a mix of beauty and dread, mirroring characters' emotional struggles.
4. Coleridge's poetry exemplifies the sublime through supernatural elements that evoke awe and contemplation, particularly in works like 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.
5. The experience of the sublime often leads characters to introspection about their existence, moral choices, and the nature of creation.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the sublime enhance our understanding of Victor Frankenstein's character in relation to his ambitions?
  • The concept of the sublime enhances our understanding of Victor Frankenstein's character by illustrating how his ambition leads him to confront forces far greater than himself. His pursuit of knowledge and power evokes awe but also horror as he faces the consequences of creating life. The sublime encapsulates Victor's internal struggle as he grapples with nature's majesty and his own hubris, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.
• In what ways do the Brontë sisters incorporate elements of the sublime in their depiction of landscapes and emotional experiences?
  • The Brontë sisters incorporate elements of the sublime by using expansive and often wild landscapes that reflect their characters' inner emotional states. For example, in 'Wuthering Heights', the moors serve as a backdrop that evokes both beauty and terror, mirroring Heathcliff's tumultuous emotions. This connection between setting and emotion enhances themes of isolation and passion while drawing readers into a deeper reflection on human experience.
• Evaluate Coleridge's contribution to Romantic poetry through his use of the sublime, especially in relation to supernatural elements.
  • Coleridge's contribution to Romantic poetry is significant due to his masterful use of the sublime, particularly through supernatural themes that provoke deep emotional responses. In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', he creates an atmosphere filled with awe and terror that compels readers to ponder existential questions about life, death, and nature. Coleridge's portrayal of mystical elements fosters a sense of transcendence, allowing readers to engage with profound moral dilemmas while experiencing the beauty and horror inherent in human existence.

Related terms

awe: A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder, often triggered by the experience of the sublime in nature or art.

beautiful: Aesthetic pleasure derived from symmetry, harmony, and proportion, contrasting with the more chaotic and overwhelming aspects of the sublime.

transcendence: The state of going beyond ordinary limits, often associated with spiritual or aesthetic experiences that evoke the sublime.