Mimesis

by Potolsky; Matthew

• ISBN13: 9780415700306
• ISBN10: 0415700302
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2006-04-12
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

A topic that has become increasingly central to the study of art, performance and literature, the term mimesis has long been used to refer to the relationship between an image and its ?real? original. However, recent theorists have extended the concept, highlighting new perspectives on key concerns, such as the nature of identity. Matt Potolsky presents a clear introduction to this potentially daunting concept, examining: the foundations of mimetic theory in ancient philosophy, from Plato to Aristotle three key versions of mimesis: imitatio or rhetorical imitation, theatre and theatricality, and artistic realism the position of mimesis in modern theories of identity and culture, through theorists such as Freud, Lacan, Girard and Baudrillard the possible future of mimetic theory in the concept of ?memes?, which connects evolutionary biology and theories of cultural reproduction. A multidisciplinary study of a term rapidly returning to the forefrontof contemporary theory, Mimesis is a welcome guide for readers in such fields as literature, performance and cultural studies.

Table of Contents

Series Editor's Preface	ix
Acknowledgements	x
Introduction: Approaching Mimesis	1	(12)
Part One Foundations	13	(34)
Plato's Republic	15	(17)
The Invention of the Image	15	(2)
Poetry and Censorship: Books Two and Three	17	(4)
Mirrors and Forms: Book Ten	21	(6)
Poetry and the City	27	(5)
Aristotle's Poetics	32	(15)
Second Nature	32	(6)
Tragedy, Plot and Reason	38	(5)
The Tragic Effect	43	(4)
Part Two Three Versions of Mimesis	47	(66)
Imitatio: Rhetorical Imitation	49	(22)
Mimesis as a Cultural Practice	49	(5)
Roman Echoes	54	(5)
Ancients and Moderns	59	(6)
Genius, Originality and the Anxiety of Influence	65	(6)
Theatre and Theatricality	71	(21)
Spectacle and Spectator	71	(4)
Theatrum Mundi	75	(6)
Acting, Naturally	81	(6)
`The Never Ending Show'	87	(5)
Realism	92	(21)
The Grapes of Zeuxis	92	(5)
Reflection and Convention	97	(5)
Realism and Sincerity	102	(5)
Pygmalion's Folly: Anti-Realism	107	(6)
Part Three Mimesis in Modern Theory	113	(44)
Mimesis and Identity	115	(21)
Psychic Mimesis	115	(3)
Identification: Freud	118	(7)
The Mirror Stage: Lacan	125	(3)
Performing Race and Gender	128	(8)
Mimesis and Culture	136	(21)
Sympathetic Magic	136	(4)
Mimicry and the Mimetic Faculty	140	(5)
Mimetic Desire: Girard	145	(5)
Simulacra and Hyperreality	150	(7)
Conclusion: Memetics	157	(6)
Glossary	163	(2)
Suggestions for Further Reading	165	(3)
Bibliography	168	(5)
Index	173