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Paradox
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
Act 3, Scene 11
Explanation and Analysis—Hampered with Wives:
On the day of Macheath's scheduled execution, Polly and Lucy arrive at Newgate prison in order to implore their fathers, Peachum and Lockit, to spare Macheath's life. Polly wields pathos skillfully in her attempt to save Macheath:
When my Hero in Court appears,
And stands arraign’d for his Life;
Then think of poor Polly’s Tears;
For Ah! Poor Polly’s his Wife.
Like the Sailor he holds up his Hand,
Distrest on the dashing Wave.
To die a dry Death at Land,
Is as bad as a watry Grave.
And alas, poor Polly!
Alack, and well-a-day!
Before I was in Love,
Oh! every Month was May
Polly knows that Macheath is in fact guilty of the charges brought before him in court, and she also knows that her father is unsympathetic to his case. In her speech, she emphasizes her own emotional distress, attempting to take advantage of her father's concern for her. She refers to herself multiple times as "poor Polly" and implores her father to think of her "tears." She additionally underscores the consequences that Macheath's death will have for her as his "wife" and speaks mournfully of the happiness she experienced prior to her present distress, when "every Month was May." Further, she characterizes Macheath as both a "hero" and as a sailor out to sea during a storm, presenting him in a flattering manner. In this short song, Polly wields pathos in order to make a strong emotional appeal to her father, though he ultimately remains unmoved.
Related Themes:
