What does the word mimetic tell us about the difference between novels and most of the literature of the 1800s?
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What does the word mimetic tell us about the difference between novels and most of the literature of the 1800s?
The word "mimetic" refers to the act of imitating or representing reality. In the context of literature, mimetic means that a work of fiction attempts to imitate or mirror real-life situations and events.
In order to understand the difference between novels and most of the literature of the 1800s, we need to examine the historical context. During the 1800s, there was a significant shift in literary style and content. Prior to this period, literature often focused on moral and didactic themes, aiming to provide a moral lesson or guidance to readers. Novels of the 1800s, on the other hand, embraced a more mimetic approach.
Novels of the 1800s adopted a more realistic and artistic representation of life. They began to explore the complexities of human nature, social issues, and the everyday experiences of individuals. This was a departure from the predominantly moralistic and instructional style of earlier literature.
The rise of the novel as a dominant literary form allowed authors to delve into personal narratives, psychological introspection, and social commentary. Novels like Jane Austen's works, Charles Dickens' novels, and Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" exemplify this mimetic approach. They portrayed characters and events that closely resembled reality, offering a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of human experiences.
In contrast, much of the literature of the 1800s that preceded the rise of the novel, including poetry, drama, and philosophical texts, often focused on abstract concepts and allegorical narratives rather than attempting to replicate reality. These forms of literature were often more concerned with conveying moral teachings or exploring metaphysical ideas rather than depicting the world as it truly was.
Therefore, the word "mimetic" suggests that novels of the 1800s distinguished themselves from other types of literature by their commitment to portraying and imitating the complexities of human life and society in a more realistic and relatable manner.