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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 Pamela
Letter 15
Explanation and Analysis—Poor Distressed Creature:
In Letter 15, Pamela tells her mother that she cut off her last letter abruptly because Mr. B. walked in on her and accused her of gossiping (in writing) when she should be working. Pamela uses pathos and ethos in her attempt to convince Mr. B. not to punish her:
I fell down on my Knees, and said, For God’s sake, your Honour, pity a poor distressed Creature, that knows nothing of her Duty, but how to cherish her Virtue and good Name! I have nothing else to trust to; and tho’ poor and friendless here, yet I have always been taught to value Honesty above my Life.
Related Themes:
Letter 24
Explanation and Analysis—Black and Blue:
In Letter 24, Pamela describes a moment when Mr. B. becomes violently upset and cannot decide whether to expel Pamela from his sight or to keep her with him. Pamela uses imagery and pathos as she describes this scene in her letter to her parents:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I thought he was mad, for my Share; for he knew not what he would have. But I was going however, and he stept after me, and took hold of my Arm, and brought me in again: I am sure he made my Arm black and blue; for the Marks are upon it still. Sir, Sir, said I, pray have Mercy; I will, I will come in!
Related Themes:
