The term mimesis has long been used to refer to the relationship between animage and its real original. However recent theorists have problematized andextended ... » 

The term mimesis has long been used to refer to the relationship between animage and its real original. However recent theorists have problematized andextended the concept allowing new perspectives on such key concerns as thenature of identity. Matthew Potolsky offers a clear introduction to thispotentially daunting concept examining the foundations of mimetic theory in ancient philosophy from Plato toAristotle three key versions of mimesis imitation or rhetorical imitation theatre andtheatricality and artistic realism the position of mimesis in modern theories of identity and culture throughtheorists such as Freud Lacan Girard and Baudrillard the possible future of mimetic theory in the concept of memes whichconnects evolutionary biology and theories of cultural reproduction.An accessible and broadranging study of a term rapidly returning to theforefront of contemporary theory Mimesis will be a welcome guide for readersin fields such as literature performance and cultural studies. «