Note on Pathetic Fallacy:

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device where human emotions or traits are attributed to inanimate
objects or nature. This technique is often used to reflect or emphasize the mood or feelings of
characters or events in a story, poem, or other forms of literature. It's a form of personification
where the emotions or traits projected onto the objects mirror those of the characters or the overall
atmosphere of the narrative.

Examples of Pathetic Fallacy:

1. Weather reflecting mood:

• In William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," storms and dark weather often coincide with
moments of conflict or turmoil, reflecting the psychological state of the characters.
• In Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," the bleak, desolate moors mirror the tumultuous
and passionate emotions of the characters, particularly Heathcliff and Catherine.
2. Nature reflecting emotions:
• In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," the gloomy forest setting mirrors the
feelings of guilt and isolation experienced by Hester Prynne.
• In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the harsh Arctic landscape where Victor pursues the
creature reflects his inner turmoil and the consequences of his ambition.
3. Objects reflecting events:
• In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg on the billboard
watch over the characters, symbolizing the moral decay and corruption of the era.
• In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," the incessant beating of the heart beneath the
floorboards mirrors the protagonist's guilt and paranoia.
4. Animals reflecting atmosphere:
• In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the behavior of the animals mirrors the political
climate and power struggles of the Russian Revolution.
• In Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," the struggle between the old man and
the marlin is echoed in the behavior of the sea creatures and the elements of nature.

Pathetic fallacy serves to deepen the emotional resonance of literary works by establishing a
connection between the human experience and the natural world or inanimate objects. It can evoke
empathy, enhance themes, and create a vivid atmosphere for the reader.

You
difference between personification and pathetic fallacy
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Personification and pathetic fallacy are both literary techniques used to attribute human
characteristics to non-human entities, but they differ in their application and purpose:

Personification:
1. Definition: Personification involves giving human attributes or qualities to abstract concepts,
animals, inanimate objects, or natural phenomena.
2. Purpose:
• It is used to make the non-human seem more relatable or vivid to the reader.
• It can also be used to emphasize certain qualities or characteristics of the object or concept
being personified.
3. Examples:
• "The sun smiled down on the children playing in the park." (attributing the human action
of smiling to the sun)
• "The wind whispered through the trees." (attributing the human action of whispering to the
wind)
• "The flowers danced in the breeze." (attributing the human action of dancing to the flowers)

Pathetic Fallacy:

1. Definition: Pathetic fallacy is a specific type of personification where human emotions or traits
are attributed to nature, inanimate objects, or the environment.
2. Purpose:
• It is used to create atmosphere, mood, or symbolism within a literary work by linking the
natural world or objects to the emotions or events experienced by characters.
• It often serves to reinforce the themes or emotions present in the narrative.
3. Examples:
• "The stormy sky reflected the protagonist's inner turmoil." (attributing human emotions to
the stormy sky)
• "The barren landscape mirrored the protagonist's feelings of loneliness." (attributing human
emotions to the landscape)
• "The gentle breeze seemed to whisper words of comfort to the grieving widow."
(attributing human actions and emotions to the breeze)

In summary, while personification involves attributing human qualities to non-human entities in

general, pathetic fallacy specifically focuses on attributing human emotions or traits to nature,
objects, or the environment to create emotional resonance or symbolism within a literary work