Aristotle views Mimesis as an Epistemology, and a good one at that. It is a natural form of learning things, used even by small children. Not only is it natural, we find pleasure in imitation (as a form of art). We have a desire to learn; to know the unknown, and this is all by isolating the original form. Mimesis offers a way of understanding the original form of the imitation through discovery, connection, and contemplation through personal reflection.
Aristotle's definition of Tragedy (as always) isolates it from otther forms of imitation. He says that "Tragedy" is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude. It should also have a degree of artistic value, like metre or rhyme. It shouldn't, however be a narrative, only presented through action. It also forces the audience into feeling certain emotions, like pity and fear, and properly purges them.
Yes, Tragedy, according to Aristotle, differs from Epic poetry precisely because it tells the story through action not narrative--this is why plot is so important to Aristotle's conception of the tragic form. Also, Tragedy deals with a short period of time, whereas Epic poetry deals with a much longer period of time.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right when you say that "mimesis" (imitation) for Aristotle is epistemic: it provides us with a way of knowing, and this therefore is its use. And not only does it provide us with a way of knowing but ,according to Aristotle, it would seem that it provides us with a "proper" way of knowing. The "ideal" citizen should be able to respond in the "right" way to certain emotions or actions.