Mimesis: A Literary Device

Mimesis: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology of Mimesis

The term “mimesis” has its roots in ancient Greek, deriving from the verb “mimeisthai,” meaning “to imitate” or “to mimic.” The concept of mimesis has a rich history in Greek philosophy and aesthetics, with Plato and Aristotle contributing significantly to its development. The term evolved to encompass broader notions of representation, imitation, and the relationship between art and reality.

Literal and Conceptual Meanings of “Mimesis”

Literal Meaning	Conceptual Meaning
Imitation of reality through artistic representation	Representation of the real world in literature, art, or performance
Mimicry and replication of observable phenomena	Reflection of human experience and the external world
Copying or reproducing aspects of the physical world	Expression of truth, reality, and the human condition through creative works
Emulation of natural forms and actions	Interpretation and re-creation of reality in a meaningful or symbolic way
Miming or acting out in theatrical performances	Exploration of the relationship between art and the world it seeks to depict
Found in various art forms such as literature, painting, and theater	Fundamental to the creation and interpretation of artistic works

Mimesis, as a term, encompasses both the literal act of imitation and broader conceptual ideas related to the representation of reality in the arts. The table illustrates the multifaceted nature of mimesis, highlighting its applications across different artistic mediums and its deeper implications in conveying truth, meaning, and human experiences.

Mimesis: Definition as a Literary Device

Mimesis in literature refers to the imitation or representation of real-world aspects within a work of art. This literary device involves the artist’s ability to recreate aspects of the observed world, including characters, actions, and settings, with the aim of reflecting the essence of human experience and reality. Mimesis is a foundational concept in aesthetics and literary theory, emphasizing the artist’s capacity to evoke familiarity and truth by skillfully imitating elements from the external world.

Mimesis: Types

Mimesis Type	Definition	Example
Diegetic	Direct representation within the narrative.	In Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the play within the play is a diegetic mimesis.
Non-Diegetic	Indirect representation outside the narrative.	The use of metaphor in T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” involves non-diegetic mimesis.
Spatial	Imitation of physical spaces within the narrative.	The detailed description of the Pemberley estate in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” employs spatial mimesis.
Temporal	Imitation of time and temporal progression within the narrative.	Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time” extensively uses temporal mimesis to explore memory.
Character	Imitation of human traits, behavior, and psychology.	The character of Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” involves character mimesis.
Generic	Imitation of specific literary genres or styles.	Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” parodies chivalric romance, exemplifying generic mimesis.
Emotional	Imitation of emotional experiences within the narrative.	Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I could not stop for Death” involves emotional shape of it.
Ideological	Imitation or representation of prevailing ideologies.	George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” engages in ideological shape, allegorically representing political ideologies.
Cinematic	Imitation of visual and auditory elements associated with cinema.	Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” exemplifies cinematic mimesis with vivid descriptions.
Narrative	Imitation of storytelling techniques and structures.	Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” uses narrative mimesis with flashback and nonlinear storytelling.

Mimesis: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Language Imitating Sounds:
   • Example: When we use onomatopoeic words like “buzz,” “meow,” or “ring,” we are imitating the sounds associated with those objects or actions.
2. Imitating Accents or Speech Patterns:
   • Example: People often unconsciously imitate the accents or speech patterns of those they spend time with, showcasing a form of linguistic mimesis.
3. Copying Gestures and Postures:
   • Example: Mirroring someone’s body language during a conversation is a common form of non-verbal mimesis, conveying empathy or connection.
4. Artistic Representations of Nature:
   • Example: Paintings, photographs, or drawings that depict landscapes, animals, or natural scenes imitate the visual aspects of the real world.
5. Mimicking Facial Expressions:
   • Example: Smiling when someone else smiles or frowning in response to another person’s expression is a natural form of emotional mimesis.
6. Social Media Challenges:
   • Example: Participating in viral challenges or trends on social media involves imitating specific actions or behaviors that gain popularity.
7. Copying Fashion Trends:
   • Example: Following the latest fashion trends involves imitating styles and clothing choices that are popular at a given time.
8. Cooking Recipes:
   • Example: Following a recipe to recreate a dish involves imitating the specific steps and ingredients used by the original cook.
9. Imitating Role Models:
   • Example: People often imitate the behavior, habits, or success strategies of individuals they admire or consider as role models.
10. Dance Choreography:
    • Example: Learning and performing dance routines from popular songs or dance trends involves imitating specific movements and sequences.

These examples illustrate how mimesis is an integral part of everyday life, influencing our language, behavior, and creative expressions in various aspects of human interaction.

Mimesis in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin Classics, 1996.
2. Cervantes, Miguel de. Don Quixote. Translated by Edith Grossman, Harper, 2003.
3. Dickinson, Emily. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson. Edited by Thomas H. Johnson, Back Bay Books, 1976.
4. Eliot, T.S. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Selected Poems, Harvest Books, 1959, pp. 11-15.
5. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.
6. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet Classics, 1996.
7. Proust, Marcel. In Search of Lost Time. Translated by C.K. Scott Moncrieff and Terence Kilmartin, Vintage, 1992.
8. Shakespeare, William. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Edited by David Bevington, HarperCollins, 1992, pp. 225-253.
9. Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Dover Publications, 1995.
10. Virgil. The Eclogues. Translated by Guy Lee, Oxford University Press, 1984.