Pathetic fallacy

Definition

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device where human emotions and traits are attributed to nature or inanimate objects, often reflecting the feelings of characters or the emotional tone of the narrative. This technique enhances the emotional connection between the reader and the story by mirroring characters' internal experiences with external environments, creating a more immersive atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Jorge Isaacs's 'María', the use of pathetic fallacy highlights the deep emotional states of the characters, particularly in moments of love and despair.
2. The natural landscape in 'María' often reflects the tumultuous emotions of its protagonist, allowing readers to feel a stronger connection to their experiences.
3. Pathetic fallacy serves as a narrative tool to enhance the themes of longing and loss within the sentimental novel genre, emphasizing emotional depth.
4. This device helps to create a lush and immersive setting that mirrors the romantic ideals present in the novel, aligning with broader trends in Romanticism.
5. Isaacs's effective use of pathetic fallacy can evoke sympathy from readers, drawing them into the emotional turmoil faced by characters like María and Efraín.

Review Questions

• How does pathetic fallacy function in Jorge Isaacs's 'María', particularly in relation to character emotions?
  • In 'María', pathetic fallacy is used to reflect the intense emotions experienced by characters, such as joy or sorrow. For instance, when María experiences love, the natural surroundings may be depicted as vibrant and flourishing, while moments of despair might be accompanied by dark, stormy weather. This connection between characters' feelings and their environment enhances the reader's understanding of their internal struggles.
• Discuss how pathetic fallacy contributes to the themes present in sentimental novels like 'María'.
  • Pathetic fallacy amplifies key themes in sentimental novels by linking characters' emotional states with their surroundings. In 'María', nature often mirrors the characters' joys and heartbreaks, which reinforces themes of love, longing, and loss. This connection not only deepens emotional resonance but also emphasizes the impact of external environments on internal experiences, making readers more invested in the characters' journeys.
• Evaluate the role of pathetic fallacy within the context of Romanticism as demonstrated in 'María' and its significance for literary movements after 1900.
  • Pathetic fallacy is crucial in expressing Romantic ideals by intertwining human emotions with nature in 'María'. This technique reinforces the value placed on emotion and individual experience central to Romanticism. The legacy of this approach can be seen in later literary movements that continue to explore emotional landscapes through similar devices, highlighting how nature reflects personal and societal struggles in an ever-evolving literary landscape.

Related terms

Personification:

A figure of speech where human qualities are given to animals, objects, or abstract concepts, helping to create vivid imagery.

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasizes emotion and individualism, often focusing on the moral and emotional qualities of characters.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that values emotion, nature, and individual expression, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.