The correct answer is 4 because it aligns with the mimetic perspective of art, which is rooted in the idea that art should imitate or reflect reality. The mimetic theory, which dates back to ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, argues that art is at its best when it accurately depicts or "mimes" the real world. Let's break down why answer 4 fits this perspective:
4: "A work of literature is ‘beautiful’ insofar as it offers an accurate representation of its subject matter, with fully realized characters and vivid description of events."
This interpretation emphasizes the idea that beauty in art comes from its faithful representation of reality—this is the core of mimetic theory. The notion that art is beautiful when it captures and portrays reality accurately fits perfectly with the mimetic approach.
Now, let’s look at why the other options don't fit the mimetic perspective as well:
"The author's arbitrary imposition of order upon the chaotic impressions of reality constitutes the only ‘truth’ in a work of art."
This interpretation leans toward a more subjective or even formalist view of art, where the artist's individual structure and order are what constitute truth, rather than an accurate depiction of reality itself.
"The line is an ironic quotation, the equation of ‘beauty’ and ‘truth’ suggests that reality is an illusory concept and that the primary function of art is to construct a world within an aesthetic reality of its own."
This viewpoint reflects a postmodern or even deconstructionist take, where reality is questioned or seen as a construct. It argues that art creates its own reality rather than reflecting an external one, which diverges from the mimetic ideal of reflecting the real world.
"Those aspects of reality which we perceive to be ‘beautiful’ are the only worthy subject matter of the artist, and it is the artist’s job to observe closely and isolate those sublime elements from the flux of the mundane."
While this focuses on beauty in reality, it suggests a selective, idealized view of the world, where only the "beautiful" parts are deemed worthy of artistic representation. This is more in line with Romantic or aesthetic theories, rather than the comprehensive, accurate reflection of reality central to the mimetic view.
In summary, answer 4 best represents the mimetic perspective, as it emphasizes art’s role in offering a realistic and detailed depiction of its subject matter, which is the essence of mimesis.
Year-wise PYQs
