Imitated behaviour and morality

Both Plato and Aristotle comment on mimesis or imitation of human behaviour in the arts and particularly in theatre.  

For Plato in the Republic imitation is bad because:  

• An imitation is at three removes from the reality or truth of something.
• Poets and other artists can represent the gods in inappropriate ways.
• Imitation can make even the best people feel sad and sorrowful for no very good reason.

For Aristotle, in the Poetics mimesis can be good. 

• Children naturally imitate those around them and learn from mimesis.  
• Tragedy is the imitation (mimesis) of people and actions. Tragic plays can be educational and provide moral insights encouraging emotional growth.  
• Educational tragedies show how good people experience reversals of fortune due to a fatal flaw (hamartia)  
• The tragedy induces a katharsis, purification through pity and fear, in the audience.