Pathetic Fallacy

Definition

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device where human emotions and traits are attributed to nature or inanimate objects, often reflecting the mood or feelings of characters. This technique helps to create a more immersive atmosphere, aligning the external environment with the internal emotional states of characters, especially in the Gothic genre where mood and setting are crucial.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Gothic literature, pathetic fallacy enhances the emotional intensity by aligning natural elements like storms or fog with characters' feelings of dread or despair.
2. This technique often emphasizes themes of isolation and alienation, as the external environment mirrors characters' internal struggles.
3. Authors like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe effectively use pathetic fallacy to create tension and evoke sympathy from readers toward characters in distress.
4. Pathetic fallacy can also serve to foreshadow events in the narrative, hinting at impending doom or tragedy through changes in weather or landscape.
5. The use of pathetic fallacy in Gothic novels can heighten the sense of foreboding, making readers more aware of the psychological states of characters as they interact with their environment.

Review Questions

• How does pathetic fallacy contribute to the development of mood in Gothic literature?
  • Pathetic fallacy plays a crucial role in shaping the mood in Gothic literature by aligning the external environment with the inner emotional states of characters. For instance, when a character experiences despair, the weather may reflect this through stormy conditions, enhancing the sense of dread. This connection between nature and emotion immerses readers further into the narrative and intensifies their emotional experience.
• Discuss how authors like Mary Shelley utilize pathetic fallacy to enhance themes of isolation in their Gothic novels.
  • Mary Shelley effectively uses pathetic fallacy to highlight themes of isolation by depicting desolate landscapes or turbulent weather during moments of character solitude. For example, when Victor Frankenstein is grappling with his inner turmoil, the surrounding environment often mirrors his emotional state, such as through dark skies or raging storms. This technique not only deepens readers' understanding of characters' loneliness but also amplifies the overall Gothic atmosphere.
• Evaluate the significance of pathetic fallacy in foreshadowing events within a Gothic narrative.
  • Pathetic fallacy is significant in foreshadowing events within a Gothic narrative because it subtly hints at future developments through environmental cues. For instance, ominous weather changes may signal impending danger or tragedy for characters. This literary device effectively builds suspense and prepares readers for upcoming conflicts, making them more attuned to both character dynamics and overarching themes within the story.

Related terms

Gothic Atmosphere: A specific mood created in Gothic literature that emphasizes dark, mysterious, and eerie settings, often enhancing themes of horror and suspense.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often enhancing meaning through objects, actions, or characters that stand for broader concepts.

Mood: The emotional feeling evoked in the reader through the author’s choice of words and details, which can be influenced by elements such as setting and character emotions.