The document provides an overview of key concepts in classical literary theory, including mimesis, censorship, the purpose of literature, language levels, and catharsis. It defines each concept and asks questions about how they may apply when analyzing a work of literature.
The document provides an overview of key concepts in classical literary theory, including mimesis, censorship, the purpose of literature, language levels, and catharsis. It defines each concept and asks questions about how they may apply when analyzing a work of literature.
The document provides an overview of key concepts in classical literary theory, including mimesis, censorship, the purpose of literature, language levels, and catharsis. It defines each concept and asks questions about how they may apply when analyzing a work of literature.
Theory Mimesis, Censorship, Purpose of Literature, Language Levels, and Catharsis
KC Daniel Inventor Mimesis
Aristotle in his Poetics (Art imitates life)
A process of imitation or mimicry Artistic pursuits (Greek Drama) mimic people, places, events, conditions (reality, nature, life) Art’s reflection and reinterpretation of the world around it Visual mimesis (visual arts) Literary mimesis ( Behavioral Mimesis – characters mirror actual human responses to real-life scenarios and Vocal Mimesis – writing in a particular speech pattern that is appropriate for the character) Is there mimesis in a work of literature? In what way does it show the concept of mimesis? Censorship
Plato coined and advocated the term in his work “The
Republic” Suppression of language, art, etc. that is considered harmful, sensitive, or immoral to the public eye Euripides – Speaking freely is a right of freeborn men Whether to censor or not a particular art that mimics life Should a particular text be censored or not? Why? What are the pros and cons of censoring a piece of literature? The Purpose of Literature Horace – Dulce et Utile (sweet and useful) Dulce – to entertain the audience Utile – to teach the audience a lesson Opposed by Modernists and Post-Modernists (claim that art can be made solely for itself – entertainment) Art for art’s sake and art with social purpose Does the text teach or entertain, or both? In what way? What does it teach? How does it entertain? Language Levels in Literature Longinus – levels of language in literature Low – a work that utilizes “poor” language (slang, vulgar words, and disruption of language, etc.) Mid – a work that utilizes the vernacular or everyday language of the common people High – follows correct and appropriate grammar/ syntax Sublime – Excellence in language that creates a power to provoke the reader/ audience (produce sensations of awe or even pain) What level of language is used in the text? Is there a combination of levels? In what way does it utilize a particular level of language? Catharsis Aristotle’s Poetics The purgation of emotion such as pity and fear when watching a Greek tragedy Flushing these emotions from the viewer’s system that leads to purification of the emotions by feeling fear and pity – sensibilities and our capabilities to feel and be moved The feeling of being washed or cleansed Is the work cathartic? In what way does it show catharsis? Applying the Classical Literary Theory Your analysis must answer the following questions:
Is the work mimetic? In what way does it show the concept of
mimesis? Should a particular text be censored or not? Why? What are the pros and cons for censoring a piece of literature? Does the text teach or entertain, or both? In what way? What does it teach? How does it entertain? What level of language is used in the text? Is there a combination of different levels? In what way does it utilize a particular level of language? How does the use of language affect its vocal mimesis? Is the work cathartic? In what way does it affect you as an audience?