Concept of sublimity and it relation to art/literature?

This is actually a pretty huge topic but, from what I understand, I'll attempt to describe it. Aristotle believed that the function of art and literature was to convey both pleasure and pain. Shocking art or literature can induce both "pain" and introspection. It was this paradox which fascinated Aristotle. The poetry of both art and literature could reach all levels of the human consciousness to create the most sublime of experiences.