Etymology of Pathos
The English term “pathos” traces its roots to the ancient Greek word pathos (πάθος). Itoriginally referred to suffering, experience, or feeling. As it migrated into English, “pathos” retained its fundamental meaning as a powerful appeal to the emotions. It came to represent the quality or element in a work of art, literature, or speech that evokes pity, sympathy, or compassion in the audience.
Meanings of Pathos
- Evoking Pity or Sadness: Pathos refers to a quality that elicits feelings of pity or sadness in art, literature, or performance.
- Emotional Appeal in Persuasion: Pathos involves using emotions to influence an audience’s response in persuasive writing or speech.
- Rhetorical Appeal: Pathos is one of the three main rhetorical appeals, alongside ethos and logos, emphasizing emotional persuasion.
- Emotional State or Temperament: Pathos can describe a person’s overall emotional disposition, often associated with strong emotions or a sense of melancholy.
Pathos in Grammar
Grammatically, “pathos” is a singular noun that refers to a singular quality or emotion. However, it can be used in a plural form to refer to multiple instances or expressions of pathos. In this case, “pathos” takes on a plural form and becomes “pathoses”. However, it is important to note that the use of “pathoses” is relatively rare and not commonly used in everyday language. In most cases, the singular form “pathos” is sufficient to convey the intended meaning.
Definition of Pathos
Pathos, a literary device, refers to the use of language or imagery to evoke emotions in the reader or audience. It is often used in literature, particularly in works of fiction or drama, to create an emotional response and build a connection between the reader or audience and the characters or story. Pathos could also be used to create a range of emotions, from empathy and sympathy to sadness, anger, or even a sense of moral outrage.
Types of Pathos
There are several types of pathos that can be used in literature or other forms of communication to evoke emotional responses from the audience. Here are some common examples:
| Type of Pathos | Explanation | Example |
| Personal Anecdotes | Sharing personal stories or experiences that evoke empathy in the audience | “Let me tell you about a time when I faced a similar struggle…” |
| Vivid Imagery | Using descriptive language to create emotionally evocative images | “The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky with a sense of tranquility and warmth.” |
| Emotional Language | Utilizing words and phrases with strong emotional connotations | “Our hearts were filled with sorrow as we witnessed the devastating aftermath.” |
| Metaphors and Similes | Employing figurative language to create emotional associations | “Her smile was like a ray of sunshine, bringing joy to everyone around her.” |
| Appeal to Suffering or Injustice | Highlighting instances of suffering, injustice, or hardship | “Imagine a world where no child goes to bed hungry, where every voice is heard.” |
| Testimonials | Presenting firsthand accounts that express emotions and build credibility | “I never thought I could achieve my dreams, but thanks to this program, I did it!” |
| Symbolism | Utilizing symbols to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions | The dove symbolizes peace and hope in the midst of chaos.” |
| Visual and Audiovisual Elements | Incorporating impactful visuals or audio to enhance emotional impact | A heart-wrenching documentary with powerful images and moving soundtrack. |
| Humor or Irony | Using humor or irony to engage the audience and provoke emotional responses | “In a twist of fate, the comedian who brought joy to millions was hiding his own pain.” |
| Appeal to Shared Values or Beliefs | Connecting with the audience’s values or beliefs to create emotional bond | “As a community, we value compassion and equality for all.” |
Literary Examples of Pathos
| Literary Example | Explanation | Type of Pathos | Pathos in Action |
| To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee | In this novel, Tom Robinson’s unjust conviction for rape evokes sympathy and moral outrage, highlighting the injustice and racism of the era. | Appeal to Suffering or Injustice | Through the portrayal of an innocent black man facing racial injustice, the author creates an emotional connection, evoking sympathy and eliciting a desire for societal change. |
| The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini | The novel uses pathos to create an emotional bond between the reader and the characters, emphasizing the effects of war and the power of friendship. | Emotional Connection | By exploring themes of betrayal, guilt, and redemption, the author elicits empathy from the reader, making them emotionally invested in the characters’ experiences and emphasizing the human cost of conflict. |
| The Fault in Our Stars by John Green | The novel employs pathos to evoke empathy and compassion, focusing on the fragility of life and the importance of love and human connection. | Reflection on Mortality | Through the portrayal of terminally ill teenagers who fall in love, the author explores the delicate nature of life, evoking emotions and emphasizing the significance of embracing life fully despite adversity. |
| Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Steinbeck utilizes pathos in the portrayal of mentally disabled Lennie, evoking sympathy and highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. | Sympathy for Marginalized Characters | By depicting Lennie’s struggles and tragic fate, the author evokes a sense of compassion in the reader, shedding light on the difficult circumstances faced by marginalized individuals during the Great Depression. |
| The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck | The novel uses pathos to create an emotional connection to the Joad family’s struggles, highlighting the injustices faced by migrant workers during the Great Depression. | Social and Economic Injustice | By depicting the hardships, poverty, and exploitation experienced by the Joad family, the author evokes empathy and a sense of moral outrage, emphasizing the need for social and economic justice in society. |
Suggested Readings
- Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1983.
- Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Fiction. Prentice-Hall, 1959.
- Burke, Kenneth. A Rhetoric of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
- Fisher, Walter R. Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action. University of South Carolina Press, 1987.
- Olbrechts-Tyteca, Lucie, and Chaïm Perelman. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
- Weaver, Richard M. The Ethics of Rhetoric. University of Chicago Press, 1953.
