Pathetic fallacy

Definition

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device where human emotions and characteristics are attributed to nature or inanimate objects. It’s often used to reflect the emotional state of characters or the mood of a scene, enhancing the reader's understanding of the narrative. This technique deepens the symbolism and helps shape character development, especially in works that explore intense emotions, making it particularly relevant in the context of character-driven stories and darker themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Dickensian fiction, pathetic fallacy often reflects the internal struggles of characters like Pip in 'Great Expectations', where the weather mirrors his emotional turmoil.
2. Gothic literature frequently employs pathetic fallacy to enhance suspense, using stormy weather or bleak landscapes to represent conflict or dread.
3. In the Brontë sisters' works, such as 'Wuthering Heights', nature is portrayed as a reflection of characters’ passions and conflicts, using pathetic fallacy to deepen emotional resonance.
4. Dickens uses pathetic fallacy to create a connection between characters and their environments, making settings more than just backdrops but integral to character development.
5. Pathetic fallacy can evoke empathy in readers, drawing them into characters' experiences by aligning their emotional states with external elements like rain or sunshine.

Review Questions

• How does Dickens utilize pathetic fallacy to enhance character development in his narratives?
  • Dickens effectively uses pathetic fallacy to mirror his characters’ emotional states, creating a deeper connection between the characters and their surroundings. For instance, during moments of despair or joy, the weather often reflects those feelings, which helps readers understand the characters’ internal struggles. This technique not only enhances the emotional depth of the narrative but also allows readers to feel the weight of characters' experiences more acutely.
• In what ways does the use of pathetic fallacy contribute to the Gothic elements found in the Brontës' works?
  • The Brontë sisters masterfully incorporate pathetic fallacy into their Gothic tales to amplify themes of isolation and turmoil. Stormy weather and dark landscapes often symbolize characters' internal conflicts and set a foreboding tone. By aligning nature’s moods with character emotions, they create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the reader's sense of dread and emotional engagement with the narrative.
• Evaluate how pathetic fallacy serves as a critical tool in both Dickensian fiction and the Brontës' works to reflect societal issues of their time.
  • Pathetic fallacy acts as a vital narrative tool in both Dickensian fiction and Brontë works by reflecting broader societal issues through personal experiences. In Dickens’ stories, changing weather conditions often parallel social injustices faced by characters, emphasizing themes like class disparity and moral decay. Meanwhile, in the Brontës’ narratives, natural elements symbolize oppressive societal norms and emotional repression faced by individuals, revealing deeper critiques of Victorian society. This shared use of pathetic fallacy underscores how literature can illuminate personal struggles while critiquing larger social frameworks.

Related terms

Personification:

A figure of speech where human traits, emotions, or intentions are attributed to non-human entities.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.

Mood: The emotional atmosphere created by a literary work, influencing how readers feel as they engage with the text.