Pathos

Pathos Definition

Back in the 4th century BCE, the Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote a treatise about rhetoric. Rhetoric is the art of persuasion, convincing others of something. In this text, Aristotle explains several ways to craft a strong persuasive argument. These methods are rhetorical appeals because speakers and writers use them to appeal to the audience.

One of the appeals that Aristotle wrote about is called pathos. Speakers and writers use pathos to pull on an audience's heartstrings and convince them of a point. People use techniques like vivid details, personal anecdotes, and figurative language to appeal to an audience's emotions.

Fig. 1 - Speakers use pathos to make the audience feel various emotions.

Identifying and Analyzing Pathos

Pinpointing a speaker's use of pathos can be tricky, as can analyzing if the use of pathos was effective. Learning how to identify and analyze pathos is important because it helps strengthen one's rhetorical skills. Also, standardized exams often ask test-takers to identify and analyze rhetorical appeals, and professors sometimes ask students to write essays on the topic.

Identifying Pathos

Sometimes it can be tricky to identify whether an author is using pathos or not. When trying to identify pathos, readers should look for the following:

• Sensory imagery that influences the audience's feelings.

• Emotion-laden language.

• Personal stories that create sympathy for the speaker.

• Figurative language, like similes or metaphors that create impactful images.

Analyzing Pathos

When analyzing pathos, readers should ask themselves the following questions:

• Does the speaker make the audience feel strong emotions like sadness or excitement?

• Does the speaker make the audience feel emotions that sway their opinion on the topic?

• Does the author's use of figurative language effectively enhance their argument?

Pathos Examples

Pathos is evident in various types of sources, such as speeches and books.

Pathos in Speeches

Speakers frequently use rhetorical appeals to ensure their speech is engaging and effective. For instance, President Abraham Lincoln used pathos in "The Gettysburg Address" in 1863.

Lincoln appeals to the audience's emotions here to make sure the audience remembers the soldiers who gave their lives for the country. His use of the word "we" reminds the audience of their involvement in the war, even if they are not fighting. This prompts the audience to reflect on how soldiers gave their lives. His use of the words "final" and "resting place" are examples of emotion-laden language because they remind the audience of how tragic the soldiers' deaths are.

Fig 2 - Lincoln used pathos to encourage the audience to remember those that died at Gettysburg.

Pathos in Literature

Writers also use pathos to make a point to their readers. For instance, Mitch Albom tells the story of weekly meetings with his dying former professor in his memoir Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lessons (1997). His conversations with Morrie give him a new perspective on life, one that he uses pathos to describe to the reader. For instance, he realizes:

Here Albom uses the image of people walking around "half-asleep" to show how people walk around lost, without a purpose. Such images prompt the reader to reflect on their life and the lives of those around them. The image of sleepwalkers may elicit sadness and regret in the reader as they realize how many people are not active, authentic community members. In evoking such emotions, Albom hopes to encourage readers to be more self-aware and loving.

Synonyms and Antonyms of Pathos

Pathos is a Greek word that means emotion. It has several synonyms and antonyms.

Synonyms of pathos

Synonyms are words that have a similar meaning. Synonyms of pathos include the following:

• Passion

• Feeling

• Fervor

• Sentiment

Antonyms of Pathos

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Antonyms of pathos include the following:

• Apathy

• Unresponsiveness

• Numbness

Differences Between Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

Aristotle also wrote about other rhetorical appeals, such as ethos and logos. The following chart compares these three rhetorical techniques and their uses today.