Green (by Cavetown) ~Ashlyn Scism

    Although reading a lecture from C.S. Lewis, in which he essentially tears the two unnamed author’s book apart, is rather amusing, I would prefer to focus on the issue of the “Sublime”. In order to deal with this concept, we must first define what the “Sublime” is. According to Coldridge, it is not a descriptor for an object but for the feeling said object inspires. C.S. Lewis objects to this idea. He claims that if we were to follow this line of reasoning it would fall short. For example: if I were to observe that a specific person is contemptible it would not mean that I am feeling contemptible. The adjective describes the specific person or at least my impression of them based on interactions we have had. 

    So if the term “Sublime” is not a description of a feeling, then what is it? Well in my experience with this concept it has appeared most often when discussing Romanticism. Romanticism is a period of literature in which the authors strove to capture the beauty of nature, childhood, solitude, and the horror of human depravity, the corruption of the soul, the unknown. In this context, the “Sublime” is referenced when discussing the sort of divine, supernatural, whimsical occurrences. For example R.W. Emerson was obsessed with humans' interaction with nature and solitude. He believed that through the observation of nature and the practice of solitude humans are able to experience the “Sublime”, a connection to the divine and celestial forces. 

    So, personally, I believe that the “Sublime” is best described as an experience.

I commented on: Isabella and Emory’s posts.

Comments

  1. Emma LandryMarch 14, 2022 at 10:04 PM

    I agree with you about characterizing "sublimity" as an experience. Similarly, when observing a nature scene such as that of a waterfall, the Grand Canyon, or majestic mountains, I encounter such a feeling about the landscape that makes me feel connected to God. Surveying such a piece of His handiwork reminds me of how small I am when compared to the scope of creation. I feel connected to Him and stand in awe of the Lord because of all that He has designed, and I am reminded that the world is so much bigger than just me.
    -Emma Landry

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  2. Bug OlsenMarch 14, 2022 at 10:11 PM

    I enjoyed your connection to the Romantic movement. I noticed how he mentioned three of the five major poets of the English Romantic movement (Shelley, Wordsworth, and Coleridge), and this also shifted my mind into a more romantic viewpoint when reading the chapter, as the concept of the sublime is something repeatedly dealt with throughout the movement. I was also intrigued by your Cavetown reference :).

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  3. Song WhittingtonMarch 15, 2022 at 10:29 AM

    I like your title reference for this post. Quite a good correlation, in my opinion. I agree with your characterization of "sublime." With emotions being subjective to each person's perspective, it is an experience for everyone who knows it.

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