ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Mimesis is a term with an undeniably classical pedigree. Originally a Greek word, it has been used in aesthetic or artistic theory to refer to the attempt to imitate or reproduce reality since Plato and Aristotle.

Detailed explanation-2: -For Plato mimesis is the appearance of the external image of things. In his view, reality was not to be found in the world of the objects but in the realm of the Ideas. Therefore, Plato sees in the arts an occupation that is inferior to science and philosophy, but that is also a potential source of corruption.

Detailed explanation-3: -A play is an excellent example of mimesis because it seeks to recreate characters in different situations, either fictional or non-fictional, in an attempt to understand a situation, emotions, or the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Detailed explanation-4: -A work of art is an imitation of reality. The artist paints a table and makes a copy of a material table which is already a copy of the immaterial form. The work of art is a copy of a copy, it is two times removed from reality, and is therefore a deception. Works of art deceive and artists are deceivers.