Mimetic Realism in Literature & Literary Theory

Mimetic Realism: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

Mimetic Realism derives from the combination of two key terms. “Mimetic” is rooted in the Greek word “mimēsis,” meaning imitation or representation. “Realism,” on the other hand, stems from the Latin term “res,” indicating things or reality. Therefore, Mimetic Realism embodies the notion of representing reality through imitation.

Meanings and Concept:

• Imitative Representation: At its core, Mimetic Realism involves the accurate and detailed portrayal of reality, emphasizing a faithful depiction of the external world.
• Faithfulness to Reality: The concept underscores the artist’s commitment to capturing the true essence of subjects, whether in literature, visual arts, or other forms of expression.
• Observational Accuracy: Mimetic Realism often involves meticulous observation and replication of the natural world, seeking authenticity in the representation of people, objects, or scenes.
• Narrative Fidelity: In literature, Mimetic Realism may manifest as a narrative approach that closely mirrors real-life experiences, focusing on the everyday and mundane aspects of existence.
• Rejection of Idealization: Unlike some other artistic movements, Mimetic Realism tends to avoid idealization, aiming for a genuine reflection of the imperfections and complexities inherent in reality.

Mimetic Realism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Mimetic Realism, as a theoretical term, refers to an artistic and literary approach centered on the faithful representation of reality through imitation. It emphasizes the accurate depiction of the external world, showcasing a commitment to observational accuracy and narrative fidelity. In essence, Mimetic Realism rejects idealization, striving to capture the nuances, imperfections, and complexities inherent in the subjects being portrayed.

Mimetic Realism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

• Aristotle: Often considered one of the earliest proponents of mimetic realism, Aristotle’s concept of “mimesis” in his “Poetics” laid the groundwork for the imitation of reality in art and literature.
• Leo Tolstoy: The renowned Russian author, Tolstoy, advocated for mimetic realism in literature, asserting that art should serve a moral purpose and faithfully represent the complexities of life.
• Gustave Courbet: As a key figure in the realist art movement of the 19th century, Courbet championed the idea of portraying ordinary life without idealization, contributing to the principles of mimetic realism.
• George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans): The Victorian novelist, George Eliot, embraced mimetic realism in her works, emphasizing psychological depth and a truthful depiction of society in novels such as “Middlemarch.”

Works:

• “Poetics” by Aristotle: In this foundational work, Aristotle outlines the principles of mimetic representation, discussing the importance of imitation and its role in creating powerful and effective art.
• “What Is Art?” by Leo Tolstoy: Tolstoy’s treatise explores the concept of mimetic realism, arguing for art’s moral responsibility and its role in accurately representing life.

Arguments:

• Faithful Reproduction of Reality: Mimetic Realism argues for the faithful reproduction of reality in artistic endeavors, asserting that true art should imitate and reflect the world as it is.
• Observational Accuracy: The movement emphasizes the meticulous observation of the natural world, advocating for artists to keenly study and replicate the details of their subjects.
• Narrative Authenticity: In literature, Mimetic Realism contends that narratives should authentically mirror real-life experiences, eschewing fantastical elements for a more genuine portrayal of human existence.

Mimetic Realism: Major Characteristics

Characteristics of Mimetic Realism

Imitative Representation

Mimetic Realism focuses on accurately representing reality through imitation, emphasizing a faithful depiction of the external world.

Faithfulness to Reality

The concept underscores the artist’s commitment to capturing the true essence of subjects, avoiding idealization and seeking authenticity.

Observational Accuracy

Artists adhere to meticulous observation and replication of the natural world, striving for accuracy in the portrayal of people, objects, or scenes.

Narrative Fidelity

In literature, it manifests as a narrative approach closely mirroring real-life experiences, concentrating on the everyday and mundane aspects of existence.

Rejection of Idealization

Unlike some other artistic movements, it rejects idealization, aiming for a genuine reflection of the imperfections and complexities inherent in reality.

Mimetic Realism: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Formalism: It holds relevance in formalist literary theory by emphasizing the accurate representation of reality in literature. Formalists appreciate the attention to detail and the authentic portrayal of everyday life as integral elements in crafting literary works.
2. New Criticism: Within New Criticism, it aligns with the focus on the text itself, as it values the work’s ability to imitate reality without delving into external influences. The movement’s commitment to close reading and intrinsic analysis complements the New Critical approach.
3. Reader-Response Theory: In the realm of reader-response theory, i invites reader engagement by presenting narratives that closely mirror real-life experiences. The realistic portrayal encourages readers to connect personally with the text, eliciting varied responses based on individual perspectives.
4. Postcolonialism: It can be relevant in postcolonial literary theories as it contributes to the understanding of cultural contexts and the authentic representation of diverse experiences. It aligns with efforts to reclaim narratives and challenge stereotypical depictions prevalent in colonial literature.
5. Feminist Criticism: Within feminist literary criticism, it plays a role in representing authentic female experiences and challenging traditional gender roles. By portraying women realistically and addressing their everyday struggles, Mimetic Realism contributes to feminist goals of breaking down stereotypes.
6. Postmodernism: In the context of postmodern literary theories, it may be critiqued for its adherence to representing reality, as postmodernism often questions the possibility of objective truth and challenges conventional notions of reality. However, it can still be considered within the broader dialogue on narrative representation.
7. Cultural Studies: It is relevant in cultural studies by contributing to the exploration of societal norms, values, and everyday life. It provides a lens through which cultural analysts can examine how literature reflects and influences the cultural landscape.
8. Psychoanalytic Criticism: In psychoanalytic literary theory, its emphasis on realistic portrayals can be examined through the lens of psychological realism. The movement’s exploration of human experiences and emotions aligns with the psychoanalytic interest in the deeper layers of the human psyche.

These connections demonstrate how it interacts with various literary theories, contributing to discussions on representation, interpretation, and the role of literature in different critical frameworks.

Mimetic Realism: Application in Critiques

1. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert:
   • Application: Flaubert’s Madame Bovary exemplifies it through its detailed and authentic portrayal of Emma Bovary’s life and struggles in provincial France. The novel meticulously captures the nuances of 19th-century society, presenting a realistic depiction of Emma’s desires, discontent, and ultimate downfall.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Application: Harper Lee’s classic work, To Kill a Mockingbird, aligns with it by authentically portraying racial tensions and moral dilemmas in the American South during the 1930s. The narrative’s focus on the everyday lives of characters, such as Scout and Atticus Finch, contributes to the novel’s realistic representation of societal issues.
3. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • Application: Despite being associated with magical realism, Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude incorporates elements of it through its detailed depiction of the Buendía family’s experiences in the fictional town of Macondo. The novel realistically explores political upheavals, familial relationships, and the passage of time, grounding its fantastical elements in a vivid representation of Colombian history and culture.
4. Middlemarch by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans):
   • Application: George Eliot’s Middlemarch embodies it in its portrayal of the provincial town of Middlemarch and its diverse characters. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and individual aspirations with a commitment to narrative authenticity. Eliot’s attention to psychological realism contributes to the work’s Mimetic Realism by presenting characters with depth.

Mimetic Realism: Relevant Terms

Terms for Mimetic Realism	Short Definitions
1. Realistic Representation	Faithful portrayal of reality in art, emphasizing accuracy and authenticity.
2. Fidelity to Reality	Commitment to staying true to the genuine aspects of the external world in artistic expression.
3. Authentic Depiction	Presenting subjects in a manner that reflects their true nature and experiences.
4. Faithful Imitation	Creating art that closely mimics and imitates the observable world.
5. Detailed Observational Accuracy	Precision in observing and replicating details from the natural world.
6. Narrative Verisimilitude	The semblance of truth and authenticity in the storytelling, making the narrative believable.
7. Everyday Realism	Focusing on the ordinary and commonplace aspects of life in artistic works.
8. Psychological Realism	Rendering characters’ thoughts, emotions, and motivations in a psychologically accurate manner.
9. Nuanced Characterization	Crafting characters with depth, complexity, and realistic qualities.
10. Rejection of Idealization	Avoiding the portrayal of subjects in an idealized or overly perfected manner.

Mimetic Realism: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin Classics, 1996.
2. Barthes, Roland. Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography. Hill and Wang, 1981.
3. Flaubert, Gustave. Madame Bovary. Translated by Lydia Davis, Viking, 2010.
4. James, Henry. The Portrait of a Lady. Penguin Classics, 2003.
5. Nabokov, Vladimir. Lolita. Vintage, 1955.
6. Tolstoy, Leo. What Is Art?. Translated by Aylmer Maude, Oxford University Press, 1930.
7. Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, Penguin Books, 2000.