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Erich Auerbach

Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature

"Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature" by Erich Auerbach is a seminal work of literary criticism that explores the development of realism in Western literature. First published in 1946, the book is known for its wide-ranging scope, encompassing works from Homer to Virginia Woolf, and its innovative approach to literary analysis. Auerbach's central argument is that the representation of reality in literature has evolved over time, from a more objective and external mode of representation in ancient literature to a more subjective and internal mode in modern literature. He examines this evolution through close readings of key texts from different historical periods, demonstrating how each text reflects the cultural and historical context in which it was written. One of the book's most famous chapters, "Odysseus' Scar," compares the way Homer and the Hebrew Bible represent reality, arguing that Homer presents a more external and objective reality, while the Hebrew Bible presents a more internal and subjective one. This comparison sets the stage for the rest of the book, as Auerbach traces the development of realism in Western literature through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and into the modern period. "Mimesis" is not only a work of literary criticism but also a work of cultural history. Auerbach's analysis reveals how literature reflects and shapes the cultural and historical context in which it is produced. The book is also a testament to the power of literature to transcend cultural and historical boundaries, as Auerbach himself was a German-Jewish scholar who wrote the book in exile during World War II. In short, "Mimesis" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Western literature, the development of realism, or the relationship between literature and culture. Auerbach's erudition, insight, and innovative approach to literary analysis make this book a timeless classic in the field of literary criticism...