Abstract
Although the mimetic theory of representation was no longer the mainstream of western literary theory since the 19th century, the idea of regarding arts and literature as the result of "mimetic" acts still has tremendous impact today. Taking Derrida's deconstructive theory of mimesis and Rene Girand's anthropological theory of mimesis as examples and focusing on mimesis as text game and the source of violence, this article attempts to demonstrate that the logic of mimesis is still deeply rooted in the discourse of literary theory nowadays. As the minetic theory has the ethical dimension of relating to others and heterogeneity through non-violence, it is capable of directly confronting social conflicts and dilemmas in contemporary thoughts. The mimetic theory is a product of ceaseless violence.
First Page
128
Last Page
135
Recommended Citation
Lu, Cheng. 2016. "From the Text Game to the Source of Violence: the Idea of Mimesis in Derrida and Girard." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 36, (3): pp.128-135. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol36/iss3/10
