1) Definition (CUET-ready)
In literary theory and criticism, imitation refers to the idea that art/literature:
- represents, reflects, or re-creates aspects of reality, nature, or human action.
The term is most famously linked to the classical concept of mimesis (Greek), associated with:
- Plato and Aristotle (in different ways).
In English literary history, “imitation” also becomes a key neoclassical principle:
- learning from classical models,
- adhering to decorum and general “nature.”
2) Classical foundations: Plato vs Aristotle (high-yield distinction)
A) Plato (simplified exam framing)
- Art as imitation of appearances, thus “twice removed” from truth.
- Imitation can mislead emotions and moral judgement.
- Suspicious of poets in the ideal state.
B) Aristotle
- Imitation is natural to humans and central to learning.
- Art imitates actions and can reveal universal truths.
- Tragedy and catharsis: imitation can educate and purge emotions.
CUET tip: Many MCQs test the difference: Plato distrusts imitation; Aristotle legitimises and theorises it.