The Sublime

Abstract

An analysis of the sublime is presented in this chapter. It is argued that experiences of the sublime combine a negative emotional state, in which the individual feels a sense of ‘self-negation’, with a pleasurable sense of the object’s sublime qualities. After reviewing a number of different historical theories of the sublime, it is argued that the positive aspect of the sublime requires that we recognize our psychological capacity to empathize with objects. It is argued that by means of our empathic engagements, we are enthralled by the power of sublime objects. In service of Aestheticism, the sublime gives us a way to become reconciled to hostile or indifferent features of nature.