Pathetics is a technique used in rhetorical art

Pathetics is a technique used in rhetorical art. A synonym for this word is pathos. What did the term "pathetics" mean in the antiquity period? The meaning and origin of this word is the topic of the article.

Aristotle

Pathetics is the way that an orator applies to influence his listeners in order to arouse in them any emotions and feelings. The term was first introduced by Aristotle. Ancient Greek philosopher believed that in order to influence the public, it is necessary to apply some techniques. Among them - logos, ethos.

In order to understand what these concepts mean, one should read Aristotle's main work. In "Poetics" the ancient wise man gives a clear formulation to each of them. But if the words "logos" and "ethos" are not found in everyday modern speech, then pathetics is a word that is used today quite often. And, as a rule, in an ironic overtones.

In art

In the literature there are such genres as an ode, a 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 used by actors, depicting characters of a dramatic work on the stage. Especially if this work is a tragedy.

In the eighteenth century, a German philosopher decided to contribute to the development of this kind of art, like rhetoric. His name was Friedrich Hegel. And it was he who distinguished several types of pathos, namely: heroic, tragic, sentimental, satirical. Hence, the pathetic can be not only dramatic, but also lyrical. The actor who reads the poem devoted to the love of the Motherland also uses this rhetorical device. The singer, performing a song on the stage about unrequited love, also seeks to convey his feelings to the audience. Each of them has the purpose to influence the public, to make it feel certain emotions.

Who needs to learn how to apply the method described above? First of all, those who often appear before the audience. But, of course, the lecturer or the teacher should evoke emotions and tears before the students to anything. The receptions 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

Courses of rhetoric and oratorical skill - a curriculum that involves the acquisition of skills in speaking to the public. They are often visited by people who, by virtue of their profession, have a lot to say for a long time. Such courses are sometimes useful to those who are far from theatrical art, but wish to get rid of congenital tongue-tied language.

Who else needs the ability to speak publicly? People who own this skill are always in demand. It's easy for them to find work. However, it is not a secret that people who know the basics of oratory are single. They are either graduates of theater universities, or lucky ones, whom nature has endowed with a rare talent. A person who is able to influence the audience and is able to apply moderately the reception of pathetic, has the opportunity to become a successful leader, journalist, TV presenter, politician.

It is worth remembering some historical figures who knew how to concentrate the attention of a thousand audience. The content of their speeches was considerably 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.