Previous
Parody
Definition of Pathos
Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Pathos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Pathos is... read full definition
Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Key Examples in Love's Labor's Lost
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Ferdinand's Welcome:
After King Ferdinand welcomes the Princess of France and her entourage, he informs her that she must stay in the field—she cannot enter his kingdom due to his vow. He tries to use an element of pathos in his overtures to her so that she doesn’t feel slighted by his refusal to host her:
Meantime receive such welcome at my hand
As honor (without breach of honor) may
Make tender of to thy true worthiness.
You may not come, fair princess, within my gates,
But here without you shall be so received
As you shall deem yourself lodged in my heart,
Though so denied fair harbor in my house.
Act 4, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Berowne's Letter:
Sir Nathaniel reads out Berowne’s love letter to Rosaline. The letter is rife with examples of pathos:
Unlock with LitCharts A+NATHANIEL, reads
If love make me forsworn, how will I swear to love?
Ah, never faith could hold, if not to beauty vowed!
Though to myself forsworn, to thee I’ll faithful prove.
Those thoughts to me were oaks, to thee like osiers bowed.
Related Themes:
