Mimetic criticism

Definition- Mimetic criticism is a method of interpreting texts in relation to their literary or cultural
models. It views a literary work as an imitation, reflection, or representation of the world and human
life. The primary criterion applied to a work is that of the "truth" of its representation of the world and
human life.

Classical definitions

Plato

Both Plato and Aristotle saw in mimesis the representation of nature, including human nature, as
reflected in the dramas of the period. Plato wrote about mimesis in both Ion and The Republic (Books II,
III, and X). In Ion, he states that poetry is the art of divine madness, or inspiration. Because the poet is
subject to this divine madness, instead of possessing 'art' or 'knowledge' (techne) of the subject,[i] the
poet does not speak truth (as characterized by Plato's account of the Forms).

In Book II of The Republic, Plato describes Socrates' dialogue with his pupils. Socrates warns we should
not seriously regard poetry as being capable of attaining the truth and that we who listen to poetry
should be on our guard against its seductions, since the poet has no place in our idea of God.[iv]: 377

Aristotle

Similar to Plato's writings about mimesis, Aristotle also defined mimesis as the perfection, and imitation
of nature. Art is not only imitation but also the use of mathematical ideas and symmetry in the search
for the perfect, the timeless, and contrasting being with becoming.[citation needed] Nature is full of change,
decay, and cycles, but art can also search for what is everlasting and the first causes of natural
phenomena. Aristotle wrote about the idea of four causes in nature. The first, the formal cause, is like a
blueprint, or an immortal idea. The second cause is the material cause, or what a thing is made out of.
The third cause is the efficient cause, that is, the process and the agent by which the thing is made. The
fourth, the final cause, is the good, or the purpose and end of a thing, known as telos.

The word mimetic

The word "mimetic" comes from the Greek word "mimesis," the act of imitation. The mimetic
theory of literary criticism places main importance on how well a literary work imitates life. In practice,
mimetic critical theory often asks how well the literary work conveys universal truths and teaches the
reader positive moral values and modes of personal conduct. While few would argue with positive moral
values, the theory can be misused, such as moderating violence against those in difference.

Mimetic criticism

How does the poem relate to a model of external reality? Terms that fit within this approach are
imitation, representation, mimesis, and mirror. Pay attention to metaphors -- the term "mirror" is the
subject of Meyer Abrams' The Mirror and the Lamp. See also Hamlet's speech about art ---art "holds the
mirror up to nature."

Painting is another common mimetic term. Realism is also a mimetic theory, but it sometimes insists
that art conveys universal truths, as opposed to merely temporal and particular truth. Dreiser and
Hemingway may or may not render their own times and circumstances accurately, but Freud's reading
of Oedipus Rex (and Ernest Jones' reading of Hamlet) claims insight into something universal about the
human psyche.

Samuel Johnson makes the same sort of claim when he argues that Shakespeare portrays universal
character traits and moral values. Aristotle's take on mimetic is sophisticated-he argues that the
universal can be found in the concrete. Sidney values art as an accurate representation of moral ideals
and excellence. Plato, by contrast, says that poetry fails on mimetic terms-it has no access to the world
of forms.

Expressive Criticism

Definition

Expressive criticism is a critical theory that focuses on how well an author expresses themselves, their
visions, and their feelings. It views a work as an expression of the author's individuality, and stresses the
author's emotions and beliefs. Expressive criticism is well known among poets, as poetry is based on
emotion. Expressive criticism describes poetry as an expression, as an overflow of a poet's feelings.

Expressive criticism is based on the idea that a person's life and times influenced their work.

The word Expressive:

“Perhaps what one notices first about poetry is its sense of wonderment” (Wordsworth).Expressive
criticism focuses on the artists emotion. It is well known among poets, for poetry is based on emotion.
Expressive criticism describes poetry as an expression, as an over-flow of a poet’s feelings

Expressive criticism:

Expressive criticism is a literary criticism approach that focuses on an author's emotions and beliefs. It
analyzes how well an author conveys their visions and feelings in their work. Expressive criticism is well
known among poets, who often base their work on emotion.

Expressive criticism views a work as an expression of the author's individuality. It's based on the idea
that a person's life and times influenced their work.

Expressive criticism is different from other criticism approaches, which tend to downplay the
importance of the author. Expressive criticism focuses on the author and cannot be judged on the basis
of facts.
One general problem with this approach is the issues of the truth value, originality, and sincerity of the
author and the work.

Expressive criticism describes poetry as an expression, as an over-flow of a poet’s feelings.

This form of criticism originated from a cultural movement in Germany and Austria in the early
twentieth century called, expressionism. Expressionism was focused on the arts, it’s true meaning
changing constantly over time. Ironically, this term was first used to describe French artists, not
Germans. If work produced by Van Gogh and Munch is inspected, the critic will find that their work is
based off of human experience. It was for this reason that expressionism was claimed to not be a style.

Expressionism started at as paintings, sculptures and so on. It wasn’t until later that literature,
theater, and music were added to the list of expressionism. After all, couldn’t it be argued that
literature, theater, and music are just as much a part of the art community as a painting by Van
Gogh? There is still much disagreement over the definition of expressionism. The one thing about it that
is known for sure, is that it is very individualized. That is why expressive criticism is mainly used on
poetry.