FENSÉG ÉS NÉZŐPONT
HIGHNESS AND VIEWPOINT

Summary/Abstract: This paper tries to establish some differences between the notion of sublime as it is conceived in the essay On the Sublime (usually attributed to Longinus) and other conceptions of sublime or grand style available in the ancient rhetorical tradition. By examining three passages concerning two sources of the sublime: sublime thoughts and figures (9.4—9, 10.1—3, 16.1—3), it comes to the conclusion that in Longinus’ analysis the required effect of sublimity is due not so much to the inherent sublime quality or priviledged ontological status of a character, subject-matter etc., as to certain ways of their representation. The three passages point to the key role of two narrative techniques in producing the sublime: the simultanuous use of external and internal focalization, and a sudden change of viewpoint.

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