Group No: 4Subject CriticismTopics i. Periphrasis

ii. Noble DictionSubmitted to Ma`am Amna

Group Members Roll no.18-Ummara ZulfiqarRoll no.23-Nazia ManzoorRoll no.25-Madiha AlamgirRoll no.33-H.Surriya ShoaibRoll no.47-Sumaira ManzoorRoll no.50-Saba Saleem

BS(English) 5th semesterOn the sublime

Introduction:

 Longinus is a Greek critic. The literary critics have disputes among themselves about his name, time and birth place. According to them, he is either Cassius Longinus or Dionysius Longinus. He is considered as ‘The pioneer in the field of aesthetic appreciation of literature.’ R.A. Scott- James addresses him as ‘The first Romantic critic’.

 On the Sublime is an important treatise of literary criticism by Longinus, originally, it was written in Greek, and it wasn’t discovered until 16th century. Longinus’s ‘On the Sublime’ is a critical document of great significance. It is the most precious legacy to the literary criticism.” In it we find a happy combination of classicism and romanticism. Praising this work, Atkins says,

“There are things in its place than can never grow old, while its freshness and light will continue to charm all age.”

It has a tremendous impact on literary critics all these years. The treatise offers a new approach to art, a new interpretation to literature. It is addressed to some Posthumius Terentianus, a friend or a pupil of Longinus.

The author begins ‘On the Sublime’ by defining the sublime as a “loftiness and excellence in language” that uplifts the reader and makes him or her react as the writer desires. Longinus regarded the sublime as a thing of spirit, a spark leaping from writer to reader, rather than a product of technique. Longinus gave five sources of sublimity;

1. Grandeur of thought2. Capacity for strong emotion3. Appropriate use of Figures4. Nobility of diction5. Dignity of composition

The first two of these are gifts of nature and the last three are products of art.

Appropriate use of figures is very important to create sublime effect in writing. Figures play an important part in producing sublimity if they are properly employed. The formation and use of figures boost the elevated expression. 

Periphrasis:

Periphrasis is a figure of speech. It originates from a Greek word periphrazein which means “talking around”. It is a stylistic device that can be defined as the use of excessive and longer words to convey a meaning which could have been conveyed with a shorter expression or in a few words. Simply it is the use of a longer phrasing in place of a possible shorter form of expression. It is an indirect or roundabout way of writing about things. For example, using “I am going to” instead of “I will” is periphrasis.

According to Longinus the use of periphrasis also contributes to the sublime. Periphrasis harmonizes with the normal expression and adds greatly to its beauty. Longinus says that writing past events in present tense and change of person [referring to the use of “you”] provides an impression of bright realism.

Longinus gives example of periphrasis from the opening of Plato’s Funeral Oration;

'In truth they have gained from us their rightful tribute, in the enjoyment of which they proceed along their destined path, escorted by their country publicly, and privately each by his kinsmen (Menexenus 236d, at Perseus).'

In these lines Plato calls Death as 'their destined path,' and the tribute of accustomed rites as 'being escorted publicly by their fatherland.' By using these words Plato has magnified the conception and starting with simple diction, he has made it musical, and has shed over it like a harmony the melodious rhythm which comes from periphrasis.

Issues About the use of Periphrasis:

The use of figures also has a peculiar tendency to rouse a suspicion of dishonesty, to create an impression of treachery, scheming and false reasoning. Similarly Periphrasis can give the effect of grandeur but it should be used with a sense of proportion otherwise it can be harmful. It needs more discretion than any other figure of speech because it can easily be misused. Regarding the right choice of words, a common expression sometimes proves far more vivid than elegant language. Words which are taken from common life are immediately recognized. They are more familiar and more convincing.

Noble Diction:

Longinus gives great importance to diction which is the fourth source of sublime. It includes choice and arrangement of words and the use of metaphors and ornamental language. Longinus says that the use of proper and striking words charm the hearers and hold their attention. He

argues that beautiful words are in very truth the curious light of thought. The words, to him, should be noble corresponding to the subject matter and emotion. Suitable words have a moving effect on readers. They add to the grandeur, beauty, force, dignity and charm to expression. Diction should differ as occasion differs. All characters should not speak the same language. Proper use of metaphor and hyperbole produces sublimity more effectively than other figure. With the help of proper diction the reader experiences an idea emotionally.  It has a moving affect upon the reader.

For a work to become sublime, it is important to have a grand and noble diction. If someone has good ideas and strong emotions, but cannot choose the right words, his work will lack beauty and sublimity. Words, when suitable and striking have ''a moving and seductive effect" upon the reader and are the first things in a style to lend it grandeur, beauty and maturity, dignity, force, power, and a sort of glittering charm. They can breathe voice into dead things. Longinus, however, also warns that grand language is not to be used everywhere, since to provide minor affairs with great and high-sounding names would be inappropriate.

Longinus gives two examples from the words of Herodotus, who says;

1. 'Cleomenes, went mad, and with a small sword cut the flesh of his own body into strips, until he slew himself by making mincemeat of his entire person (Herodotus, Histories 6. 75, at Perseus).'

2. 'Pythes fought on shipboard, until he was utterly hacked to pieces (Herodotus, Histories 7. 181, at Perseus).'

Longinus says that these phrases graze the very edge of vulgarity, but they are saved from vulgarity by their expressiveness.

Conclusion: Appropriate use of figures and noble diction both play very important role to give sublime effect to writings. They help to add the grandeur, beauty, force, dignity and charm to expression. They can create deep impact on the hearers. They can breathe life into dead words. But both should be used with great care. Inappropriate use of figures and diction can influence writing and produce horrible effect.