Pathetic fallacy

Millais Ruskin

Crocus-angustifolius

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device used to attribute human emotions and traits to nature or inanimate objects. This term was first coined by the Victorian critic John Ruskin in his work Modern Painters (1843–60). Ruskin used it to criticize the sentimentalism that he believed marred the otherwise realistic literature and art of his time. Despite its initial negative connotations, the pathetic fallacy has been embraced by later writers and artists, who have used it to evoke deep emotional responses or to create symbolic meanings in their works.

Overview

The pathetic fallacy is a form of personification, but it specifically involves giving human emotions to non-human entities, such as weather, landscapes, animals, or objects. For example, describing a stormy sea as "angry" or a gentle breeze as "whispering" employs the pathetic fallacy. This device is often used to reflect the inner feelings of characters or to create an atmosphere that mirrors the theme of the work.

Usage in Literature

In literature, the pathetic fallacy is a powerful tool for creating vivid imagery and emotional depth. It is prevalent in many genres, but is particularly notable in Romantic literature, where nature often plays a central role in expressing the characters' emotional states. Poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge frequently employed the pathetic fallacy to forge a deep connection between the human and natural worlds.

Criticism and Defense

John Ruskin's original critique of the pathetic fallacy was that it led to false impressions of the external world, distorting reality through the lens of human emotion. However, defenders of the device argue that it can reveal deeper truths about the human condition, making abstract feelings tangible and relatable. Furthermore, in the context of art and poetry, the accuracy of emotional expression is often valued over literal truth.

Examples

• In Shakespeare's King Lear, the storm on the heath mirrors Lear's inner turmoil, exemplifying the use of pathetic fallacy in drama.
• Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ode to the West Wind" personifies the wind with the power to spread change, using the pathetic fallacy to symbolize revolutionary ideas.

In Modern Media

The use of pathetic fallacy extends beyond traditional literature into modern media, including film, television, and video games, where it serves to enhance storytelling through visual and auditory means. For instance, rain in a scene might signify sadness or foreshadow difficult times ahead.

Conclusion

While the pathetic fallacy was once criticized for its departure from realism, it has become a celebrated technique for its ability to convey complex emotions and themes. By attributing human feelings to the natural world, writers and artists bridge the gap between the human experience and the external environment, enriching their narratives with emotional and symbolic depth.