Richard III

by William Shakespeare

Richard III: Pathos 1 key example

Read our modern English translation.

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 4, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Innocent Arms:

Sir James Tyrrell, who has been sent by Richard to murder the princes in the Tower, describes the sad scene of the two young princes before their deaths. He tells the audience about it using visual sensory language, and pathos:

[...] girdling one another
Within their alabaster innocent arms.
Their lips were four red roses on a stalk,
And in their summer beauty kissed each other.
A book of prayers on their pillow lay [...]