The great philosopher Aristotle once said that "tragedy is the imitation of actions and of life" (521). Another great philosopher, Plato, counter stated that "representation is far removed from reality" (425). Plato disagrees with Aristotle because he believes that the imitation of life is too filled with emotion and not focused on reason. Aristotle argues that emotion is what makes a drama a true tragedy. Both these arguments prove valid points when attempting to analyze Euripides' tragedy Medea. Although the works of Aristotle and Plato are significantly different from each other, their underlying meanings can be combined and compared to Euripides; Medea; when mimesis and diegesis are used to analyze the three works, imitation becomes reality.
             It is very odd to read both Aristotle's Poetics and Plato's Book X of The Republic. As a member of Plato's Academy, one would think that Aristotle would conform to the ideals and teachings of his educator. It is said that Plato had a profound influence on the life and works of Aristotle. So why then would Aristotle and Plato have different perceptions of reality? The answer is strangely simple. Aristotle believed in the art of mimesis while Plato believed in the theory of diegesis.
             Mimesis is defined as the imitation or representation of aspects of the sensible world, especially human actions, in literature and art. In Aristotle's Poetics, he places a lot of focus on the recreation of actions through the tragedy. He points out that an important element to this recreation is thought. He defines thought as reflection and analysis which usually comes in the form of the chorus: "...some parts of a play...are sung" (521). Euripides' Medea, like many other Greek tragedies, incorporates the chorus. The chorus in Medea is a group of Corinthian Women that provide a recap of events throughout the tragedy. Oft times, the chorus serves as a ...