Emotional Response

Definition

Emotional response refers to an individual's feelings or reactions evoked by a piece of literature. It can include emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, or empathy.

Related terms

Pathos: An appeal made in literature to evoke emotions in readers; authors use pathos through vivid descriptions or relatable characters to create an emotional connection with their audience.

Empathy:

The ability to understand and share someone else's feelings; when readers empathize with characters' experiences or struggles in literature, it enhances their emotional response.

Catharsis:

The release of pent-up emotions through experiencing art or literature; when readers have intense emotional responses while reading, it can provide a cathartic effect and offer emotional relief.