Representation

Explanation

Representation makes an object, event or possible world accessible through a medium. In the context of mimesis, the question is how verbal or staged forms present action: what is selected, from which perspective and by what means? Aristotle distinguishes object, medium and mode. Here representation supplies a frame for analysis, without implying a complete copy. A narrated encounter has a sequence and wording that do not belong to the encounter in the same way. Fictional events can also be represented.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the object or possible situation. 2. Specify medium and mode. 3. Examine selection and perspective. 4. Assess representation separately from what it represents.

Example

“She stopped at the locked door.” This invented miniature represents an action; it does not document an actual event.

Counter-test

The word fire does not burn. Resemblance or reference does not make a representation identical to its object.

Scientific use case

A comparative analysis could render the same invented scene as a report and a dialogue, then describe their distribution of information.

Effect

The concept makes choices involved in presentation available for analysis.

Resonance

An event appears through a form; the form remains part of what we see.

Distinction

Distinguish the represented object, the sign material and historical truth. Mimesis theorises artistic representation rather than equating world and work.

Sources

• Aristotle, Poetics, translated S. H. Butcher

  I–III; X–XI

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