The Written Sublime

As we discussed in class the other day, it is much different for the observer to experience the sublime in visual art vs. in literary art. I feel like Vicotria's earlier post about the layers of "Beachy Head" is a perfect explanation of how the sublime is different.

Yes, In visual art there can be layers in terms of framing, but the layering in the written sublime is less about framing and more about drawing specific focuses to differently layered centers of the poem.

How do we see this specifically in Beachy Head?

1) The first line of the poem sets the scene for the largest central focus, which is Beachy Head as a whole. This is the same image we see in the photo of Beachy Head.

2) "the crisp summer sea" becomes our next focus, thus layering the sublime past the overall view of Beachy Head, and focusing on the natural, cyclical, power of the ocean and its tides.

3) With the focus on the ocean comes the focus of the vessels on the ocean, which not only layers the sublime further, but it adds a different perception of Beachy Head, the perception of those on the vessels, who have traveled far and wide with their treasures form the Orient.

4) Or we have the perception of those closer to land, the fisherman, who sees this view every day.

...etc.

The poem goes on and on with more layering that Smith is presenting, and this sublime is not only based on perception but experience and memory as well. This presents a much more vivid image than a simple painting could attempt to accomplish. Thus, in my opinion, the sublime in written art will always trump the visual attempts of sublime from art.