Plato viewed poetry as-
A. an imitation of reality
B. self-subsistent entity
C. distant from reality
D. manifestation of reality
E. life as experience in reality
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Plato saw poetry as an imitation (mimesis) of reality, distant from the ultimate truth. In his philosophy, poetry and other art forms imitate the physical world, which itself is merely a shadow of the ideal forms. Plato believed that poetry, being removed from reality, misleads people away from truth and wisdom, as it is twice removed from the ultimate forms and appeals to the emotional rather than rational part of the soul.
Information Booster:
· Plato’s views on poetry are part of his larger metaphysical framework in works like The Republic, where he warns that poetry and drama could sway emotions and impair reasoned judgment. His Theory of Forms posits that true knowledge lies in understanding the forms or ideal versions of objects, which exist beyond the physical world. Poetry, according to Plato, distracts from this pursuit of knowledge by promoting illusory representations and focusing on the senses rather than intellectual reasoning. This skepticism about art influenced centuries of Western thought, shaping views on the role and purpose of art in society.
Additional Information:
· B. Self-subsistent entity: This idea aligns more with later theories, such as modernist autonomy in art, which values art’s independence from representation.
· D. Manifestation of reality: Plato would argue that poetry is removed from true reality, focusing instead on the lower levels of perception.
· E. Life as experienced in reality: Plato would counter that poetry reflects mere appearances and lacks the philosophical depth of real-life experiences grounded in ideal truths.