Mimetic and Pragmatic Theories

Mimetic Theory

Mimetic theory, rooted in the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, views literature as a representation or imitation of reality. The term 'mimesis' comes from the Greek word meaning 'imitation'. This perspective suggests that art, including literature, holds a mirror up to nature, reflecting the world, human actions, and emotions.

Plato's View on Mimesis

Plato, in his work 'The Republic', expressed a somewhat skeptical view of poetry and art. He saw the physical world as an imperfect copy of the ideal Forms. Therefore, art, which imitates the physical world, is an imitation of an imitation, twice removed from truth or reality. He believed that poets and artists, by imitating appearances rather than truths, could mislead the audience and appeal to the lower, irrational parts of the soul, potentially corrupting moral character. Plato argued that an ideal state should therefore be cautious about the kind of art it allows.

Aristotle's View on Mimesis

Aristotle, Plato's student, offered a more positive and nuanced interpretation of mimesis in his 'Poetics'. He agreed that literature imitates human actions and life, but he saw this imitation as a natural human instinct and a source of pleasure and learning. For Aristotle, poetry is more philosophical than history because poetry deals with universals and the probable or necessary, while history deals with particulars.

Aristotle distinguished between different modes of imitation:

• Narration: The poet speaks in his own character.
• Impersonation: The poet speaks through characters he creates.
• Mixed: A combination of narration and impersonation.

He also classified poetry based on the object of imitation:

• Epic Poetry: Imitates noble actions through narration.
• Tragedy: Imitates serious and complete actions, using embellished language, through impersonation, evoking pity and fear to achieve the purgation (catharsis) of these emotions.
• Comedy: Imitates the actions of men of lower type, using ridicule to evoke laughter.

Aristotle believed that the pleasure derived from art comes from the recognition of resemblances and the learning that occurs through imitation. He emphasized that good imitation does not necessarily mean a literal copy but rather a representation that captures the essence and universal truths of human experience.

Key Concepts of Mimetic Theory

The core tenets of mimetic theory include:

• Representation: Literature's primary function is to imitate or represent the external world, human behavior, or human nature.
• Truth and Reality: The value of a literary work is often judged by its faithfulness to reality or its ability to reveal truths about the world.
• Objectivity: There's an emphasis on the subject matter being imitated, often implying a degree of detachment or objectivity on the part of the author.
• Audience Reception: While Plato focused on the moral implications for the audience, Aristotle highlighted the intellectual and emotional engagement, particularly the pleasure and learning derived from recognition.

Examples in Literature

Works that are often analyzed through a mimetic lens include realistic novels of the 19th century, such as those by Charles Dickens or Leo Tolstoy, which aimed to portray social conditions and human lives with considerable detail and accuracy. Even earlier works, like Homer's epics, were seen as imitations of heroic deeds and the values of their society.

Pragmatic Theory

Pragmatic theory, in literary criticism, shifts the focus from the imitation of reality (mimesis) or the internal structure of the work itself to the effect the work has on its audience or its utility. This approach considers literature as a tool or a means to achieve a certain end, whether that end is moral instruction, emotional release, social change, or aesthetic pleasure. The emphasis is on the reader's experience and the practical consequences of engaging with literature.

Origins and Development

While the roots of pragmatic thinking can be traced back to ancient rhetorical traditions that focused on persuasion and audience appeal, its significant development in literary criticism is more recent. It aligns with broader philosophical pragmatism, which emphasizes the practical consequences and usefulness of ideas and actions. In literary studies, this translates to examining how a text functions in the world and for its readers.

Key Aspects of Pragmatic Theory

Pragmatic criticism typically explores the following:

• Reader-Response: How does the reader interpret and engage with the text? What is the reader's experience? This includes theories that focus on the act of reading itself as a constitutive part of meaning.
• Didacticism: Does the work aim to teach or instruct? What moral, ethical, or social lessons does it convey? Many historical literary traditions, particularly those with religious or moralistic aims, fall under this aspect.
• Rhetoric and Persuasion: How does the text use literary devices to persuade, influence, or move the audience? This looks at the text as a form of communication designed to have a specific impact.
• Social and Political Utility: What role does literature play in society? Can it be a tool for social critique, reform, or propaganda? This examines the practical function of literature in different contexts.
• Emotional Impact: How does the work affect the reader's emotions? Theories like Aristotle's concept of catharsis can be seen as early forms of pragmatic analysis, focusing on the emotional effect of tragedy.

Relationship with Other Theories

Pragmatic theory stands in contrast to formalist or structuralist approaches that prioritize the internal elements of the text (form, structure, language) and ignore the author or audience. It also differs from purely mimetic theories that focus solely on the relationship between the text and the reality it represents. Pragmatic theory acknowledges the text's existence but insists on understanding its purpose and impact beyond its mimetic qualities or internal coherence.

Examples in Literary Criticism

A pragmatic critic might analyze Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' not just for its plot or character development but for how its themes of revenge and madness might have resonated with Elizabethan audiences, or how its enduring presence continues to provoke thought and emotional responses in contemporary readers. Criticism focusing on the historical impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' on the abolitionist movement would be a clear example of pragmatic literary analysis. Similarly, analyzing how a poem functions to inspire patriotism or instill a sense of national identity would be a pragmatic approach.

Comparison and Contrast

Mimetic and pragmatic theories offer distinct lenses through which to understand literature, though they are not always mutually exclusive. A work can be both a representation of reality and have a profound practical effect on its audience.

Focus of Analysis

Mimetic theory primarily focuses on the relationship between the literary work and the reality it purports to represent. The question is: "What does this text imitate, and how well does it imitate it?"

Pragmatic theory, conversely, focuses on the relationship between the literary work and its audience or its function in the world. The questions are: "What does this text do to the reader?" or "What is the practical use or purpose of this text?"

Value Judgments

Under mimetic theory, the value of literature is often tied to its truthfulness, accuracy, or its ability to capture the essence of reality. A work is good if it is a faithful or insightful representation.

Under pragmatic theory, the value of literature is determined by its effect, its utility, or its consequences. A work is valuable if it educates, inspires, moves, persuades, or serves a specific social or personal purpose.

Historical Context

Mimetic theory has deep roots in classical philosophy and remained a dominant mode of understanding art for centuries, particularly during periods emphasizing realism and naturalism.

Pragmatic considerations have always been present, especially in rhetoric and didactic literature, but they gained more prominence as distinct theoretical frameworks with the rise of reader-response criticism and the focus on the social and psychological functions of literature in the 20th century.

Interplay in Practice

It is important to recognize that these theories can overlap. For instance, a highly realistic novel (mimetic) might also be intended to provoke social reform (pragmatic). Aristotle's concept of catharsis in tragedy is a prime example of this interplay: tragedy imitates human action (mimesis) to evoke pity and fear, leading to an emotional release or purgation in the audience (pragmatic effect).

Modern literary criticism often employs elements from various theoretical frameworks. Understanding both mimetic and pragmatic approaches provides a more comprehensive toolkit for analyzing the multifaceted nature of literature and its relationship with reality and humanity.

Aspect	Mimetic Theory	Pragmatic Theory
Primary Focus	Representation of reality; relationship between text and world.	Effect on the audience; utility or purpose of the text.
Key Question	What does it imitate? How true is it?	What does it do? What is its purpose/effect?
Basis of Value	Faithfulness, accuracy, insight into reality.	Usefulness, impact, didactic value, reader experience.
Example Emphasis	Realism, naturalism, verisimilitude.	Reader-response, rhetoric, social function, moral instruction.

Conclusion

Mimetic theory offers a foundational understanding of literature as a mirror reflecting the world. It encourages us to assess how accurately and insightfully a text captures human experience and the reality around us. Plato's caution and Aristotle's more positive embrace of imitation highlight different philosophical stances on this representation.

Pragmatic theory, on the other hand, expands our view by considering literature not just as a reflection but as an active force. It emphasizes the practical consequences, the reader's engagement, and the text's purpose, whether it be to teach, persuade, or elicit an emotional response.

By understanding both mimetic and pragmatic perspectives, students of literature gain a richer appreciation for the diverse ways texts function and are valued. They can analyze a work for its representational qualities and simultaneously explore its impact on individuals and society, providing a holistic critical approach.