The Healing Word Between Mimesis and Catharsis: The Real and “Its” Representation

The article begins by examining Carlo Diano’s interpretation of Aristotle’s theory of catharsis. According to Diano, the therapeutic dimension of this Aristotelian concept has deep roots in the thought of Hippocrates, with its influence extending as far as the works of Galen. At the core of the cathartic effect lies the idea of presenting representations that anticipate on stage the misfortunes one might encounter in life