What is pathetic fallacy?

Pathetic fallacy is a literary technique in which human emotions are personified in inanimate objects, typically in weather. For example in a section of Macbeth it is a particularly stormy night, the thunder and lightening personifing the evil of the play, or it perhaps exhibits a more celestial reaction to the deeds carried out by Macbeth and the rest fo the characters.

HP
Answered by Hannah P. English Literature tutor

7359 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the theme of social responsibility is presented in J.B. Priestley's 'Inspector Calls'


How do I approach an unseen poem?


How does Steinbeck use Crook's character in Of Mice and Men to highlight racial discrimination in America.


How do I answer the unseen poetry section of my exam?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning