Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-209) and index.
Contents:
1. Introduction: Strong experiences and what causes them -- 2. The study of strong experiences -- 3. Epistemic feelings and knowledge -- 4. Arousal, emotion and strong experiences -- 5. The psychological background -- 6. How literature triggers strong experiences.
Summary:
A psychological explanation of goosebumps and tears, of the epiphanic experience of seeing something ordinary in a profoundly new way, and of the overwhelming perception of the sublime. These experiences found in life and literature involve a feeling of coming to know something deeply important but impossible to describe.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.