Longinus meaning

Longinus is a classical literary critic who believed in the importance of sublimity in literature.


Longinus definitions

Word backwards sunignoL
Part of speech Proper noun.
Syllabic division Lon-gi-nus
Plural The plural of the word Longinus is Longinuses.
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) o,i,u
Consonants (4) l,n,g,s

Longinus, also known as Pseudo-Longinus, was a Greek literary critic and rhetorician who lived in the 1st century AD. He is best known for his work "On the Sublime," a treatise on the art of rhetoric and what makes great literature.

Early Life and Background

Little is known about Longinus's life, including his exact birth and death dates. Some scholars believe he was a student of the famous philosopher Plotinus, while others think he may have been a Roman official or a teacher of rhetoric in Athens. Despite the mystery surrounding his life, Longinus's work has had a lasting impact on literary criticism.

On the Sublime

"On the Sublime" is Longinus's most famous work, in which he discusses the nature of greatness in literature and how writers can achieve sublimity in their works. He argues that true sublimity is a transcendent quality that elevates the reader and inspires awe. Longinus identifies several key components of the sublime, including grandeur, passion, and skillful use of language.

Legacy

Longinus's ideas about the sublime have had a profound influence on later writers and critics, including the Romantic poets of the 18th and 19th centuries. His emphasis on the power of language to evoke emotion and create lasting works of art has resonated with generations of readers and writers. While some of his specific ideas may be debated, Longinus's overall contribution to the field of literary criticism is undisputed.

Longinus's work "On the Sublime" continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars around the world, making him a figure of enduring importance in the history of literary criticism. His insights into the nature of greatness in literature and the power of language to move and inspire readers remain as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Longinus's influence on the way we think about literature and rhetoric is immeasurable, and his contributions to the field continue to shape our understanding of what makes a work of art truly great.


Longinus Examples

  1. Longinus was a first-century Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a spear.
  2. The term "Longinus effect" is sometimes used in literature to describe the idea of a character having a sudden moment of insight or enlightenment.
  3. In astronomy, Longinus is the name of a lunar impact crater located on the far side of the Moon.
  4. The Longinus spear is a recurring weapon in the video game series "Devil May Cry."
  5. The Longinus prophecy is a concept in certain branches of Christian theology related to the spearing of Jesus on the cross.
  6. Longinus is a character in the anime series "High School DxD" who wields a holy spear.
  7. In art history, Longinus is depicted in countless paintings and sculptures reenacting the biblical scene of the Crucifixion.
  8. The Longinus holy lance is a symbol of divine power in various mythologies and religious traditions.
  9. Some scholars believe that Longinus may have been the author of the ancient literary work "On the Sublime."
  10. The Longinus cross is a common Christian symbol representing the crucifixion of Jesus and the spear that pierced his side.


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  • Updated 04/05/2024 - 23:23:31