Pathetic Fallacy vs. Personification

Attribute	Pathetic Fallacy	Personification
Definition	Attributing human emotions or traits to inanimate objects or nature	Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities
Usage	Often used in literature to create a mood or atmosphere	Commonly used in poetry and prose to add depth and imagery
Examples	"The angry clouds refused to part ways."	"The wind whispered secrets to the trees."
Effect	Enhances the emotional impact of a scene or setting	Brings life and personality to non-human elements

Definition

Pathetic fallacy and personification are both literary devices used to give human qualities to non-human entities. Pathetic fallacy involves attributing human emotions and traits to nature or inanimate objects, while personification involves giving human characteristics to abstract concepts or animals. Both techniques serve to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions in the reader.

Examples

Pathetic fallacy can be seen in works like William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," where the daffodils are described as "dancing" and "fluttering." This personification of the flowers creates a sense of joy and movement in the scene. On the other hand, personification is used in George Orwell's "Animal Farm," where the animals represent different political figures and ideologies. By giving the animals human traits like speech and intelligence, Orwell is able to convey complex ideas in a relatable way.

Effect on Mood

Both pathetic fallacy and personification can have a significant impact on the mood of a piece of writing. Pathetic fallacy is often used to reflect the emotions of the characters or to set the tone of a scene. For example, in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the stormy weather reflects the turmoil and chaos in the characters' lives. Personification, on the other hand, can create a sense of familiarity and connection between the reader and the abstract concepts or animals being personified. This can make the reader more emotionally invested in the story.

Use in Poetry

Both pathetic fallacy and personification are commonly used in poetry to create vivid and evocative imagery. In poems like Emily Dickinson's "Because I could not stop for Death," personification is used to portray Death as a kind and gentle figure, rather than a fearsome one. This helps to soften the idea of mortality and make it more approachable for the reader. Pathetic fallacy, on the other hand, is often used in nature poetry to convey the speaker's emotions through the natural world.

Symbolism

Pathetic fallacy and personification can also be used to convey deeper symbolic meanings in a text. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," the forest is personified as a place of freedom and escape for the characters. This symbolizes the characters' desires for liberation from societal constraints. Similarly, in John Keats' "Ode to a Nightingale," the nightingale is personified as a symbol of immortality and transcendence. This adds layers of meaning to the poem and enhances its emotional impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pathetic fallacy and personification are both powerful literary devices that can enhance the imagery, mood, and symbolism of a piece of writing. While pathetic fallacy focuses on attributing human emotions to nature, personification gives human traits to abstract concepts or animals. Both techniques serve to create a deeper connection between the reader and the text, making the writing more engaging and impactful.