According to Longinus, which two of the following qualities apply to "great poetry"?

A. It must be the work of genius, an inspired person.
B. It must cause a feeling of melancholy in the reader.
C. It must employ devices of rhetoric.
D. It must please selectively and on special occasions.

Correct option is B

Explanation:

In On the Sublime, Longinus defines great poetry as work that evokes awe and elevation in the reader. He emphasizes two key aspects:

Genius and Inspiration (A): Great poetry is born of a sublime spirit, which reflects the genius of an inspired writer. This creative spark is central to achieving sublimity.

Use of Rhetorical Devices (C): Longinus highlights that employing rhetorical techniques enhances the impact of the work, making it more compelling and effective.

Information Booster:

Longinus’ On the Sublime is a key text in classical literary criticism.

Sublimity in literature results from a combination of innate genius and refined technique.

The five sources of sublimity, as per Longinus, are: grand thoughts, noble emotions, figures of speech, dignified diction, and elevated composition.

Sublimity is meant to evoke wonder, not just pleasure or melancholy.