Pathetic Fallacy (Noun)
Meaning
The fallacy of attributing human feelings to inanimate objects; `the friendly sun' is an example of the pathetic fallacy.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The poet's use of the phrase "the angry storm" is a classic example of the pathetic fallacy, attributing human emotions to a natural phenomenon.
- The writer's description of the "lonely mountain" is an instance of the pathetic fallacy, giving human-like qualities to an inanimate object.
- The phrase "the wind whispered secrets" is a beautiful example of the pathetic fallacy, attributing human-like behavior to a natural force.
- The poet's use of the pathetic fallacy in "the trees wept with sorrow" creates a vivid and emotive image, but is also a clear example of this literary device.
- The phrase "the sun smiled down on us" is a common example of the pathetic fallacy, giving human-like qualities to a celestial body.