Mimetic Theory of Literary Criticism

Mimetic theories focus on the relationship between text and universe (by
"universe" he means all things of the world apart from audience, text and author)
The word "mimetic" comes from the Greek word "mimesis," the act of imitation.
The mimetic theory of literary criticism places main importance on how well a literary
work imitates life. In practice, mimetic critical theory often asks how well the literary
work conveys universal truths and teaches the reader positive moral values and modes
of personal conduct.

Mimetic critics ask how well the work of literature accords with the real world. Is it
accurate? Is it correct? Is it moral? Does it show how people really act?
Mimetic criticism views the literary work as an imitation, or reflection, or representation
of the world and human life