This document summarizes Longinus's treatise "On the Sublime", which analyzes the concept of sublimity in language and its ability to elevate discourse. It defines sublimity as consisting of lofty language that sways readers through grandeur of thought, treatment of passions, figures of speech and thought, dignified expression through word choice and metaphor, and majestic structure. While sublimity cannot be innate, it can be developed through instruction and reason. The document outlines Longinus's influential views on sublimity that shaped Romantic literature and criticism.

1. On the Sublime
-Longinus
Prepared by Megha Mohan Nair

2. I. Introduction
 An important treatise of literary criticism by
Longinus.
 It was written in Greek
 Focus on the elevation of language as “a kind of
supreme excellent of discourse.”
 Longinus’s ideas on Sublime are of great
influence to Romantic literature and Criticism

3. II. What Sublime is.
 Sublime “consists in a certain loftiness and
excellence of language”
 it “is the image of greatness of mind”
 It “sways every reader whether he is willingly or
not”
 A sublime thought, “if happily timed, illuminate
the entire subject vividly like a lightening-flash,
and exhibit the whole power of the orator in a
moment of time”

4.  Sublimity is not innate; it can be acquired by
instruction.
 The great passion can be controlled by
reasoning.
 True sublimity always pleases and pleases all
readers regardless of their difference in the
pursuits, of their manner of life, of their
aspirations, their ages, and of their languages.
 Our souls would be lifted up by the true
sublimity.

5. III. The principal source of all
sublimity
 1. Grandeur of thoughts
 2. A vigorous and spirited treatment of the
passions
 3. A certain artifice in the employment of figures,
which are of two kinds, figures of thought and
figures of speech

6.  4. Dignified expression, which is sub-divided
into two aspects ;
（a) The proper choose of words
（b) The use of metaphors and other ornaments
of diction
• 5. Majesty and elevation of structure

7. IV. Faults which should be
avoided in writing
 Bombast
 Puerility
 False sentiment
 Frigidity

8. V. Conclusion．
 On the Sublime was a letter written to a friend
 It is also a profound, insightful literary treatise
 The writer put forward the definition of Sublime
on aesthetic level by the first time
 Many British and German men of letters were
also influenced by Sublime
 Milton once claimed that Longinus was always
the tutor he worshipped.