definition-imitation

While speaking of imitation, Aristotle uses the word to the effect that we can commonly accept it as meaning today:  an attempt to copy an object or experience as it commonly appears in reality.   However, in applying the concept of imitation to the creation and performance of the arts, he touches upon theories as to why humans enjoy such entertainment.  Comedy, for example is entertaining because it imitates in such a way as to portray things as worse than they actually are, so as to provide a relief from their reality.  Epic poetry, as another example is said to portray things as better, so as to provide excitement, enticement, and hope.  Imitation that, as Aristotle says, portrays things "on our own level" is perhaps best left, poignantly, to tragedy.