Suspiria de Profundis · Question
How does Suspiria de Profundis develop the theme of The Sublime and the Dreadful?
Answer
Suspiria de Profundis by Thomas De Quincey develops The Sublime and the Dreadful across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book argues that awe, terror, and the dreadful are necessary foundations for profound beauty and rapture, with suffering and strife providing the 'funereal ground' for deeper vision.
The narrator contrasts the sublime beauty of summer with the dread of death, and describes the funeral service as a 'final artillery of woe,' blending awe and terror.
The overwhelming power and beauty of the mail-coach's motion, combined with the terror of potential accidents, embody the sublime.
The mail-coach is described with 'terror and terrific beauty,' and the chapter juxtaposes the glory of victory with the grief of personal loss, as seen in the mourning lady and the anxious mother.
Evidence in the book
- The Affliction of Childhood
The narrator contrasts the sublime beauty of summer with the dread of death, and describes the funeral service as a 'final artillery of woe,' blending awe and terror.
- The English Mail-Coach
The overwhelming power and beauty of the mail-coach's motion, combined with the terror of potential accidents, embody the sublime.
- The Glory of Motion
The mail-coach is described with 'terror and terrific beauty,' and the chapter juxtaposes the glory of victory with the grief of personal loss, as seen in the mourning lady and the anxious mother.
- Going Down with Victory
The chapter juxtaposes the sublime spectacle of the mail-coach procession—laurels, cheers, and national pride—with the dreadful personal grief of a mother in mourning and the anxiety of a woman whose son is in the army.
- II: The Vision of Sudden Death
The sudden appearance of Death amid a peaceful summer night exemplifies the sublime terror of mortality.
- I
The vision of summer beauty and revelry is abruptly overshadowed by a sense of ruin and death, as the pinnace disappears and a ship is about to founder.
- II
The chapter vividly portrays the sublime terror of the sea and storm, with towering waves, mists forming cathedral aisles, and the frigate's perilous flight.
- III
The dream blends the sublime beauty of the girl and the white roses with the dreadful horror of the quicksand swallowing her.
