Pathos

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

Macbeth: Pathos 1 key example

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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
Act 1, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Modes of Persuasion:

Different characters in Macbeth employ different modes of persuasion in order to achieve their goals. When the Weird Sisters speak to Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3, for instance, they mainly rely on ethos. The first part of their prophecy foretells that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor, and when this statement turns out to be true, their credibility as fortunetellers is established. As a result, Macbeth is more inclined to believe the other parts of the prophecy. The effect of their use of ethos is apparent in this passage, for instance, in which Macbeth talks to Banquo about how the Weird Sisters were right about him becoming the Thane of Cawdor:

Macbeth: Do you not hope your children
    shall be kings,
When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them?

Act 1, scene 7
Explanation and Analysis—Modes of Persuasion:

Different characters in Macbeth employ different modes of persuasion in order to achieve their goals. When the Weird Sisters speak to Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3, for instance, they mainly rely on ethos. The first part of their prophecy foretells that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor, and when this statement turns out to be true, their credibility as fortunetellers is established. As a result, Macbeth is more inclined to believe the other parts of the prophecy. The effect of their use of ethos is apparent in this passage, for instance, in which Macbeth talks to Banquo about how the Weird Sisters were right about him becoming the Thane of Cawdor:

Macbeth: Do you not hope your children
    shall be kings,
When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them?

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Act 3, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Modes of Persuasion:

Different characters in Macbeth employ different modes of persuasion in order to achieve their goals. When the Weird Sisters speak to Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3, for instance, they mainly rely on ethos. The first part of their prophecy foretells that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor, and when this statement turns out to be true, their credibility as fortunetellers is established. As a result, Macbeth is more inclined to believe the other parts of the prophecy. The effect of their use of ethos is apparent in this passage, for instance, in which Macbeth talks to Banquo about how the Weird Sisters were right about him becoming the Thane of Cawdor:

Macbeth: Do you not hope your children
    shall be kings,
When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them?

Unlock with LitCharts A+