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Motifs
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
Chapter 3: Marilla Cuthbert Is Surprised
Explanation and Analysis—Friendless Child:
Montgomery often uses pathos to cultivate the reader's sympathy and emotional investment in Anne's character. For example, at the end of Chapter 3, when Anne believes she might be sent to the orphanage, the narrator uses emotional language to convey her plight:
To bed went Matthew. And to bed, when she had put her dishes away, went Marilla, frowning most resolutely. And up-stairs, in the east gable, a lonely, heart-hungry, friendless child cried herself to sleep.
This passage builds sympathy for Anne and causes the reader to anticipate Marilla's decision that she can stay at Green Gables. The parallel structure ("To bed [...] and to bed [...] And upstairs") creates a sense of the disparity between Matthew and Marilla, who go to bed without any disturbance, and Anne, who "cried herself to sleep." It also evokes the distance, both emotional and physical, between the child and her prospective guardians. Throughout the story, the distance between them shrinks, and they become much closer to each other.
This scene also reminds the reader of Anne's youth and vulnerability. She has just arrived in Avonlea and learned that her adoptive parents might not want to keep her. This is a very emotionally disturbing problem for a child, especially one who has hoped for love and human connection throughout her time at the orphanage. Green Gables represents hope for the future, and the prospect of not being able to stay makes Anne very sad. However, the story takes an optimistic turn when Marilla decides that she can stay. The narrator's use of pathos to describe Anne's sadness at the prospect of leaving creates emotional contrast with her joy at being able to remain at her new home.
Related Themes:
