What does imitation (mimesis) entail for Plato and Aristotle? Explain its different characteristics. Mimesis, the 'imitative representation of the real world in art and literature', is a particularly evident form within the governance of art in ancient Greece. Although its exact interpretation varies, it is most commonly used to describe artistic creation as a whole. The value and necessity of mimesis has been supported by numerous scholars including Sigmund Freud, Philip Sydney and Adam Smith, but this essay will focus on the arguments outlined by Plato in The Republic and Aristotle in Poetics, attempting to demonstrate the different characteristics of mimesis . imitation (mimesis) and what it entails for both. In Plato's Republic, he discusses what imitation (mimesis) means to him and why he believed it was not worthy of the credit or appreciation so often given to it. In Aristotle's Poetics, on the other hand, he emphasizes the importance of imitation not only in art, but also in everyday life and why imitation in tragedy is necessary for human development. For Plato, there are three key objections to imitation (mimesis) which are demonstrated in books II and III, and then again in book X of the Republic. Plato believes that all art is imitative of life, and in Book II he begins to explain what he sees as the ideal way for a human to live, which involves living a life of reason and righteousness with guardians to protect us. These guardians must be good, honest and fair and therefore all children should be educated and trained with these qualities, to prepare them as our future guardians. Plato's first objection to imitation (mimesis) is from the point of view of theology and education. Suggests… middle of paper… Similarly, Plato says that poetry has the same effect on us when it relates to sex and violence, arousing a series of “desires and feelings of pleasure and pain… 'waters them when they should be left where, and forces them to control us when we should, in the interests of our own greater well-being and happiness, control them.' What this indicates from a rational perspective is that imitation brings undesirable emotions to the surface, allowing it to cloud our judgment, weaken our psychological stability, and change our outlook on life itself. This could then have a drastic effect, according to Plato, on present and future guardians who the rest of us require to remain emotionally stable and in full control of our irrational desires and fears. Works Cited Plato, The Republic, 2nd ed. . Translated by D. Lee (London: Penguin Group, 1987)