Here's a breakdown:
* Mimesis: This refers to the imitation of reality. Aristotle believed that literature was an imitation of human actions, thoughts, and emotions. It's not just a copy, but a creative representation that allows us to understand and learn from the human experience.
* Catharsis: This refers to the purging of emotions. Aristotle believed that watching a tragedy could elicit emotions like fear and pity, but ultimately lead to a release and purification of those emotions. This cathartic experience was considered to be beneficial for the audience.
So, while Aristotle did not use the term "both", he viewed literature as a powerful tool that both imitates reality (mimesis) and allows for the release of emotions (catharsis).