The correct answer is 1. A and C only because this best aligns with Plato's theory of poetry and art as expressed in his philosophical works, particularly in The Republic and Ion. Let's break this down with both theoretical and interpretive clarity:
✅ A. an imitation of reality
This is central to Plato's concept of mimesis (μίμησις) — the idea that art, including poetry, is an imitation of reality.
Plato believed that poetry imitates the world of appearances, which is itself a copy of the ideal Forms. So, poetry is a copy of a copy, which places it two steps removed from truth.
Quote from The Republic (Book X):
"All art is imitation, and poetry is the imitation of human life."
✔ This makes option A correct.
✅ C. distant from reality
Plato did not regard poetry as bringing us closer to truth. In fact, he was deeply suspicious of poetry because it appeals to emotion over reason and leads the soul away from truth and rational understanding.
For Plato, since reality is the world of Forms (ideas), and poetry merely imitates the physical world (which itself is an imitation of Forms), poetry is thus thrice removed from the truth.
He even suggested banning poets from his ideal republic for this reason.
✔ This makes option C correct.
❌ Why the other options are incorrect:
B. self-subsistent entity
This is more in line with modern or Romantic aesthetics (e.g., art for art's sake) or possibly with thinkers like Kant or Coleridge.
Plato never saw poetry as autonomous or self-justified. He judged it morally and epistemologically — not as self-contained.
D. manifestation of reality
This could be confused with Aristotle’s view, where poetry reveals universal truths.
But Plato rejected this idea; he did not see poetry as manifesting reality, but rather distorting it.
E. life as experience in reality
Again, this is not Plato’s position. Plato’s theory opposes the idea that poetry conveys direct or valid experience of reality.
He thought poetry could mislead by representing only shadows of truth, appealing to irrational parts of the soul.
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