A classical literary theorist, Longinus, in On The Sublime, formulated an idea of 'the sublime' in literature. This 'sublime' is still discussed today with considerable mystery. I have always had difficulty understanding the sublime because of this mystery of it - nobody seems to be able to concisely describe it beyond vague words such as "amazement," and "wonderment." Perhaps this mystery is simply part of the essence of this 'sublime.' At any rate, that is how Longinus formulated his 'sublime' - with plentiful mystery.
Longinus' sublime is an "excellence of discourse" (Murray 114) that amazes all audiences at all times. It not only "persuades or gratifies" (Murray 114), but the wonder of the work tells us something more, something deeper. It's quite a wild definition, and is mostly developed as a prototypical definition - it is developed through example, and not direct description.
To find a clip on YouTube that fits Longinus' sublime might seem a serious feat, but, remarkably, there is plenty to work with. And why shouldn't there be - people are wonders themselves, and YouTube is an intersection of many.
Above is musician Suzanne Vega performing her song, "The Queen and the Soldier," live. This is a prime example of the sublime. In this performance Vega becomes two different people, literally and metaphorically. Literally, Vega is both highly talented guitarist and vocalist. And metaphorically in the lyrics, Vega is both queen and soldier. This touches upon what Longinus means to 'amaze all audiences at all times.' It is a diverse performance, where one single woman discusses major perspectives that occur all over Earth today and in the past - ruler and citizen. Almost anyone can put themselves into one of the two categories, ruler or citizen. Not only are these perspectives discussed, but they are discussed with such grace that both are equally humanized, or equally realistic. The audience can see, and feel for, the conflicting reasoning behind both queen and soldier, all while enjoying a touching tune. The appeal of the performance is thus almost universal - everyone has something to embrace about it. It is a humanizing depiction of both ruler and citizen, and simply may be enjoyed for the musical aesthetic.
Shakespeare was very well known for having realistic characters that learn and grow as a literary work progresses. It is usually this reason that Shakespeare is cited as being one of the greatest writers of history. His works are said to be "universal" in the sense that they appeal to a huge audience. This is a parallel to Vega's "The Queen and the Soldier," and seems to be at the heart of the 'sublime.' After all, it's hard to argue with Shakespeare's success.
Not only does Vega meet the strictest definition of 'the sublime' here, but also her performance represents smaller details of Longinus' formulation of the sublime. Vega's performance clearly is a new song based on historic folk songs. This is exactly one way that Longinus said writers may reach the sublime - imitation (Murray 131). Folk songs became historic because of their popularity in the past, likely for their use of the sublime. In other words, they are a proven method to reach the sublime. By imitating historic folk songs Vega reaches the sublime through Longinus' methodology.
Briefly summing up other ways that Vega meets Longinus' sublime: Vega's performance uses elaborate language - there is strong choice of words, and rhyme is peppered throughout; inspired emotion is well present - what could be more emotionally profound than a dialogue between a royal queen and a menial soldier; and the imagery makes a strong impression - much of the story is descriptive, yet energized (Murray 121).
Above all, Vega gives a beautiful performance in all ways. It's hard not to be struck by wonder - this 'sublime.'
Works Cited_
Longinus. On The Sublime. Translated by Penelope Murray and T. S. Dorsch. Classical Literary Criticism.
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