Aristotle’s theory of imitation

Difference from Plato's Concept of Imitation, New Dimensions, Poetry linked with Music, Medium of Poetic Imitation, Object of Imitation, Manner of Imitation, Artistic Imitation: A Process of Ordering and Arranging

1. Aristotle’s Theory of Imitation

2. Useful Art as Medicine and Agriculture Imitative Art as Poetry and Painting “Shadow of Shadows” The world of senses Mere representation of reality Example of Carpenter (bed) The world, as we see it, is a mere copy. The poet, who creates on the basis of this world, id basing his creation on a copy. [copy of a copy] Plato’s Idea of Imitation: Poetry is Twice Removed From Reality

3. Plato considers poetry to be a copy of nature as it is , Aristotle gives it a scope of being concerned with what ought to be or what can be . CREATIVITY Difference

4. Art imitates not merely the appearances or externals of the world . Art does with the very essence of the things. There is a creative reproduction of the external world in accordance with the artist’s idea. Imitation of Ideal Reality Basic element or deeper reality Aristotle’s concept of Imitation: New Dimensions

5. Poetry is more prone towards Music, as Hamilton Fyfe observes a composer of a pastoral symphony does not try to make noise like pigs and chickens, but creates a special atmosphere in his artistic skill. It is in this sense that a poet communicates his emotion by imitating or recreating life. Poetry is an imitation of the deep inner feelings and ideas of man. Poetry Linked with Music

6. The Medium of Poetic Imitation The Object of Poetic Imitation The Manner of Poetic Imitation Sub-divisions of Theory

7. The painter’s medium of imitation is colour and form. The poet’s is rhythm and harmony. Poetry is nearer to music than to painting, as it too, imitates through rhythm and harmony. To this it adds language as well. The linking of poetry and music is significant, as it suggests that poetry is something above mere mimicry. The Medium of Poetic Imitation

8. Tragedy is the imitation of an ACTION. Men in ACTION Involves both outward as well as inner activity Body and Mind Physicality and Psychology The Object of Poetic Imitation

9. Narrative Poetry: speaking in the same person. Narrative Poetry: speaking in an assumed role. Dramatic The Manner of Poetic Imitation

10. Poetry has no place for the irrelevant. The material has to be pruned Artistic Imitation : A Process of ordering and Arranging