Sublimity and Madness

Name: Sublimity and Madness
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the relationship between sublimity and madness, positing that true sublimity originates from the mind rather than sensory experience. It critiques classical Greek literature for lacking the depth of sublimity found in Hebrew texts, particularly the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, which are suggested to reflect a unique cultural and spiritual heritage. The author argues that the essence of sublimity is intertwined with the Hebrew language and its philosophical underpinnings. The text delves into the nature of madness, defining it as a state where an individual confuses thoughts with tangible entities. This confusion is presented as a fundamental characteristic of madness, emphasizing the importance of clarity in thought. The author references historical anecdotes and translations to illustrate points about perception, language, and cultural identity, suggesting that the interplay of these elements shapes human understanding of the sublime. The work further examines the implications of commercialism introduced by figures like Solomon, hinting at a tension between material pursuits and spiritual depth. The author reflects on the evolution of language and thought, asserting that the richness of Hebrew literature provides a more profound connection to the sublime than other traditions. Through this analysis, the text invites readers to reconsider the sources of their understanding of beauty, truth, and the human experience, ultimately advocating for a recognition of the mind's role in perceiving sublimity.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1817 · Genre: Philosophical Literature, Literary Criticism, Poetry · 232 words

First lines

The pith of my system is to make the senses out of the mind -- not the mind out of the senses, as Locke did.

Could you ever discover any thing sublime, in our sense of the term, in the classic Greek literature? never could. Sublimity is Hebrew by birth.

I should conjecture that the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes were written, or, perhaps, rather collected, about the time of Nehemiah. The language is Hebrew with Chaldaic endings. It is totally unlike the language of Moses on the one hand, and of Isaiah on the other.

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Sublimity and Madness is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1817 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1817 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Literature, Literary Criticism, Poetry, Psychological Exploration, Historical Analysis
Length: 232 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophical Literature — The text explores deep philosophical themes regarding the nature of sublimity and madness, reflecting on the mind's relationship with the senses.
Literary Criticism — Coleridge critiques classic literature and discusses the Hebrew origins of sublimity, indicating a focus on literary analysis.
Poetry — The writing style exhibits poetic elements, with a focus on language and expression that aligns with Coleridge's broader poetic works.
Psychological Exploration — The discussion of madness and the mind's perceptions suggests an exploration of psychological themes.