Pathetics is a technique used in rhetorical art. A synonym for this word is pathos. What did the term “pathetics” mean in antiquity? The meaning and origin of this word is the topic of the article.
Aristotle
Pathetics is a method that a speaker uses in order to influence his listeners in order to arouse any emotions or feelings in them. The term was first coined by Aristotle. The ancient Greek philosopher believed that in order to influence the public, it is necessary to apply some techniques. Among them - the logo, ethos.
In order to understand what these concepts mean, you should read the main work of Aristotle. In The Poetics, the ancient sage gives a clear statement to each of them. But if the words “logo” and “ethos” are not found in everyday modern speech, then pathetics is a word that is often used today. And, as a rule, in an ironic subtext.
In art
In the literature there are such genres as ode, tragedy. They are united by characteristic features such as emotionality, the desire to convey to the public the feelings and experiences of the hero. Pathetics is a method that actors use to portray characters of a dramatic work on stage. Especially if this work is a tragedy.
In the eighteenth century, a German philosopher decided to contribute to the development of such a form of art as rhetoric. The name of this scientist was Friedrich Hegel. And it was he who identified several types of pathetics, namely: heroic, tragic, sentimental, satirical. Consequently, not only dramatic, but also lyrical can be pathetic. An actor reading a poem dedicated to love for the Motherland also uses this rhetorical device. The singer, performing on stage a song about unrequited love, also seeks to convey his feelings to the audience. Each of them has the goal of influencing the public, making them feel certain emotions.
Who needs to learn how to apply the method described above? First of all, those who often speak in front of an audience. But, of course, a lecturer or teacher does not need to cause feelings and tears in front of students. The methods of rhetorical art should first of all be owned by actors or those who dream of a theatrical career. But such skills will not be superfluous to representatives of other professions.
Training
Rhetoric and oratory courses - a curriculum that involves the acquisition of speaking skills in front of the public. They are often visited by people who, due to their profession, have to speak a lot and for a long time. Such courses are sometimes useful to those who are far from theatrical art, but want to get rid of congenital tongue-tied tongue.
Who else needs the ability to speak publicly? People who own this skill are always in demand. They are not hard to find a job. However, it is no secret that people who own the basics of oratory are few. These are either graduates of theatrical universities, or the lucky ones whom nature has endowed with a rare talent. A person who knows how to influence the audience and is able to apply moderation of pathetics has the opportunity to become a successful leader, journalist, TV presenter, and politician.
It is worth recalling some historical figures who knew how to concentrate the attention of a thousandth audience. The content of their speeches was significantly inferior to the emotional component. They had more feelings than meaning. However, according to historical data, ordinary people listened to them, experienced a real storm of emotions. It's all about the extraordinary ability to use a pathetic device - a way to influence the audience.