Which theory holds that poetry follows a guiding principle based on imitation?

• A. Expressive
• B. Pragmatic
• C. Formalist
• D. Mimetic

Answer: (D)

Poetry guided by imitation reflects life in words. This view, often called mimetic theory, holds that the purpose of poetry is to imitate real people, actions, and emotions, so readers recognize truth by seeing it represented in verse. The idea goes back to classical thinkers like Aristotle, who treated mimesis as the natural way art reveals how the world works and how people feel, allowing audiences to understand and connect with what is depicted. In poetry, imitation isn’t about a literal copy but a faithful representation of life’s patterns, struggles, and passions, shaping imagery and events to mirror reality and evoke a genuine response. Other theories emphasize different aims—expressive theory centers on the poet’s inner feelings, pragmatic theory on social function or usefulness, and formalist theory on form and technique—so they focus on aspects other than imitation of life.