Plato believed that art was a weak reflection of the real world, which the real world in turn tries to imitate. Although not many contemporary literary theorists agree with Plato's opinion about the point of literature, the genre of children's fiction is one area where some critics do tend to side with Plato.

Which literary theory does Plato's opinion apply to? Why do you think some critics agree with Plato when it comes to children's literature?

Question

Plato believed that art was a weak reflection of the real world, which the real world in turn tries to imitate.  Although not many contemporary literary theorists agree with Plato's opinion about the point of literature, the genre of children's fiction is one area where some critics do tend to side with Plato. 

Which literary theory does Plato's opinion apply to?  Why do you think some critics agree with Plato when it comes to children's literature?