Explain and discuss Aristotle’s view of literature as imitation
Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, made many important contributions to literature and literary criticism. One of his main ideas is that literature is a form of “imitation.” This concept, known by the Greek word mimesis, is central to his theory of art. But what did Aristotle mean by imitation? And why is it so important to understanding literature? Let’s look at his idea in a simple and detailed way.
1. What is Imitation (Mimesis)?
When Aristotle talks about imitation, he doesn’t mean copying things exactly like a photograph. Instead, he means that literature—whether poetry, drama, or any story—represents real life, actions, emotions, and people. Writers do not copy life directly, but they create something that reflects life. For example, a tragedy may not show real events, but it shows the kinds of events and emotions that real people experience, like sadness, anger, love, or fear.
So, imitation means presenting human actions in a way that we can understand and learn from. Literature shows us life, but in a creative and meaningful way.
2. Imitation in Different Forms
Aristotle said that different types of art imitate life in different ways. Poetry uses words, music uses sound, painting uses colors and shapes. Even within literature, there are different forms of imitation. For example:
- Tragedy imitates serious and important actions with sad endings.
- Comedy imitates lighter actions and often uses humor.
- Epic poetry, like Homer’s Iliad, tells grand stories of heroes.
Each of these forms has its own way of showing human experience.
3. Why Imitation is Important in Literature
Aristotle believed that through imitation, literature helps us understand life better. It is not just entertainment. When we read or watch a tragedy, we feel emotions like pity and fear. This emotional experience helps us understand our own feelings and those of others. It can even make us better people by teaching us about human nature, right and wrong, and the consequences of actions.
For example, in the tragedy Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, we see how pride and fate bring about the hero’s downfall. This story helps us think about destiny, responsibility, and human weakness. So, imitation helps in both emotional and moral understanding.
4. Difference from Plato
Before Aristotle, his teacher Plato had also talked about imitation. But Plato believed that imitation was dangerous. He thought that literature showed only an illusion of truth and could mislead people. Aristotle disagreed. He believed that imitation, if done well, helps us understand truth in a deeper way. For Aristotle, art does not simply copy the world; it brings out the meaning behind life and actions.
5. Imitation and Artistic Skill
Aristotle also said that the writer or poet must use skill and creativity in imitation. It is not just about repeating what you see. A good writer selects the right events, characters, and emotions to build a meaningful story. This process of selection and arrangement is what makes literature a special form of imitation.
Conclusion
Aristotle’s idea of literature as imitation is a powerful and lasting concept. He saw literature as a way to reflect life, emotions, and actions in an artistic form. Through imitation, writers give shape and meaning to the human experience. Unlike Plato, Aristotle believed that imitation helps us learn, feel, and understand life more deeply. Even today, when we read novels or watch movies, we are seeing stories that imitate life—and that idea still comes from Aristotle’s thinking over 2,000 years ago.