What does the word mimetic tell us about the difference between novels and most of the literature of the 1800s?

The the question asks for the difference between novels and other literature -- presumably nonfiction.

With that in mind, novels weren't unique in imitating real life. I think there's a better answer.

Novels are fantasy -- often realistic fantasy as London's novel shows.

so it would either C or A right?

I think it's A.

The fantasy in novels mimics real life.

oh okay I get it thank you

:-) You're welcome.

a is the wrong answer

The word "mimetic" refers to the imitation or representation of real life. In the context of the question, it suggests that novels, in contrast to most literature of the 1800s, aimed to imitate or depict real life.

To confirm the correct answer, let's analyze the given answer choices:

A. Novels present fantasy as reality - This answer choice suggests that novels depict fantasy as reality, which is the opposite of the mimetic nature of novels. Thus, it can be eliminated.

B. The authors were new and unknown - This answer choice does not directly address the difference between novels and most of the literature of the 1800s in terms of their mimetic quality. Therefore, it is unlikely to be the correct answer.

C. Novels presented common things in new ways - This answer choice partly reflects the mimetic quality of novels as it suggests that novels presented common things, which implies reality. However, it does not directly state that novels aimed to imitate real life.

D. Novels were unique in trying to imitate real life - This answer choice explicitly states that novels were distinct in their attempt to imitate real life, which aligns with the meaning of the term "mimetic."

Based on the explanation and analysis, it can be concluded that the correct answer is D - Novels were unique in trying to imitate real life.