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Understanding Mimesis in Literature

Mimesis refers to the process of imitation or mimicry through which artists portray and interpret the world in their works. There are two ways mimesis can be used in poetry - vocal mimesis, writing in a particular accent or speech pattern appropriate for a character, and behavioral mimesis, showing how characters respond to scenarios in understandable ways. Mimesis shows rather than explains the action, unlike diegesis where a narrator explains the action indirectly and describes characters' mindsets from outside. The mimetic theory of literary criticism places importance on how well a literary work imitates life and conveys universal truths and moral values.

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Imee Joy Dayaan
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81 views5 pages

Understanding Mimesis in Literature

Mimesis refers to the process of imitation or mimicry through which artists portray and interpret the world in their works. There are two ways mimesis can be used in poetry - vocal mimesis, writing in a particular accent or speech pattern appropriate for a character, and behavioral mimesis, showing how characters respond to scenarios in understandable ways. Mimesis shows rather than explains the action, unlike diegesis where a narrator explains the action indirectly and describes characters' mindsets from outside. The mimetic theory of literary criticism places importance on how well a literary work imitates life and conveys universal truths and moral values.

Uploaded by

Imee Joy Dayaan
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Mimetic

Literary Criticism
Mimesis

Mimesis is a term used in philosophy and literary


criticism. It describes the process of imitation or
mimicry through which artists portray and
interpret the world. Mimesis is not a literary
device or technique, but rather a way of thinking
about a work of art.
2 Ways to Use Mimesis in
Poetry
Vocal mimesis, or writing in a particular accent
or speech pattern that is appropriate for the
character.
Behavioral mimesis, in which where characters
respond to scenarios in understandable ways.
Mimesis and Diegesis

Diegesis refers to a narrator that explains


the action indirectly and describes the
characters’ mindsets from the outside.
Mimesis, on the other hand, shows rather
than explains the action.
Mimetic Theory of Literary
Criticism
The mimetic theory of literary criticism places primary 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 theory “represents life” and acts as “a mirror to nature,” which
defines and supports the imitation of art that is found with Greek
antiquity

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