Pathos Pulls The Strings(Week 4)

 "Doesn't this story just tug at your heartstrings?"

        A phrase commonly accompanying sob stories and other tales of woe or romance while sometimes being spoken through tears as well. It makes me wonder, what is it about a story that elicits such an emotional response from those that come across it? 

        The main drawing force behind emotion is Pathos. Pathos is roughly how well someone can draw people into their speech, writings, or whatever through the use of emotional appeals. I've never been all that great with them, but I can appreciate seeing a good attempt at it.

        Many things seem to do just that for people, and it typically varies for them. Some see sappy romantic stuff as the embodiment of Pathos, while others use existentialism and more somber tones to get their reactions. I personally try to avoid using them all together. I'd rather have people just see my writings for what they are. Just things that are made because I can. I'm not trying to sway anyone a certain way or anything. I don't grasp at the heartstrings and puppet my readers around like a kid playing with dolls. I just write. And sometimes, that's all you need.