Festus · Theme
Nature and the Sublime
How Festus develops Nature and the Sublime.
The natural world is depicted as a reflection of divine beauty and order, with scenes of landscapes, stars, and oceans evoking awe and serving as metaphors for spiritual truths.
Where it surfaces
- VIII
The ride across oceans, mountains, and deserts emphasizes the overwhelming power and beauty of the natural world, with Festus feeling a 'rapture' in the sea and a desire to merge with it.
- Festus in the Fiery Center of Earth
The vast, fiery caverns and the power of creation evoke the sublime, overwhelming Festus with awe.
- XI
The ruined temple, overgrown with wild flowers and birds, and the elements of earth, fire, water, and air are used as symbols in the worship.
- XIV
Festus contrasts the serene beauty of Venus with the sublime terror of Earth's storms, finding greater pleasure in Earth's wildness.
- XV
Festus's contemplation of the stars and the quiet skies as a counterpoint to the revelry.