Cosmic revulsion: representations of the Longinian Sublime in the works of H.P. Lovecraft

Author

Laurel Jean

Graduation Date

2013

Document Type

Project

Program

Other

Program

Project (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, English: Literature, 2013

Committee Chair Name

Mary Ann Creadon

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Longinus, Modernism, Lovecraft, Sublime, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- English

Abstract

Conventionally, the sublime is the state of mind in which observers of art and culture, comprehend, for a fleeting moment, the incomprehensible. As our imagination cannot conceptualize infinity, or death, our capacity for reason must fill the gaps. This knowledge, that our reasoning mind can understand concepts which our imagination is incapable of grasping, is the sublime. The works of H. P. Lovecraft, in all their cosmic, super-sensible horror, demonstrate for the narrators or characters the nature of the sublime, through terror and revulsion. To explicate examples of the sublime experience in Lovecraft's works, I will read "The Call of Cthulhu," "The Outsider," and "The Music of Erich Vann," with the aim to understand the sublime further, and tie it to revulsion and horror. Lovecraft's enjoyed a revival recently, with his short stories inspiring new movies, comic books, video games, and books. As such there is a demand for Lovecraft, and criticism and essays on his works are a part of that revival that I wish to partake in.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/kh04ds19q

Share

 
COinS