Art as Pathetic Fallacy
February 18, 2021 - Joy Reed Belt
“Pathetic Fallacy” is a literary device that assigns human emotions to inanimate objects of nature. Writers use it to provide atmosphere and to enhance or reflect moods, much as musical and sound scores are used in films and stage performances. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned a book I was reading by David Morrell entitled “The Fine Art of Murder.” The last couple of days I have been reading the last book in this trilogy. These novels feature Thomas DeQuincey and his daughter, Emily, as characters. Set in Victorian England, “The Fine Art of Murder,” “Inspector of the Dead,” and “Ruler of the Night.”are filled with pathetic fallacy. In fact, the unrelenting fog, cold, and smutty, smoke-filled air all compete to become yet other characters. While murders are being committed, investigated and solved, the weather perversely adapts to each situation by making each criminal action more ominous and horrendous. Experiencing the dramatic interplay and unusual plot line of these novels have provided me with some much needed psychological relief.
Our recent weather events have produced extreme cold, ice and snow. These elements have yielded a timely and real life backdrop of pathetic fallacy, adding yet another dimension to our present war with Covid. As did you, I woke up a few days ago and learned a new word: “Snow-pacalypse.” The weather has become its own thing. All of our systems: human, mechanical and otherwise have been thrown into turmoil because of the weather. We’ve even had to postpone Valentine’s Day. When was the last time we collectively postponed Valentine’s Day? Isolation, imminent physical discomfort and danger, loss of personal control, are but some of the things we have been experiencing with Covid. The weather and its effects have reinforced all those emotions and given them expression. It’s been a very dramatic display of power and to quote another writer, Tom Clancy: “A Clear and Present Danger.”
While there is not an immediate definitive solution on the horizon for our climate and pandemic problems, could art serve as a release? Could it provide us with a type of pathetic fallacy that actually creates pleasure? Could we reduce our anxiety and/or renew our individual purpose by thoughtfully experiencing art? Could art that specifically reflects the varied and wonderful elements of the natural universe, transport us to happier times? Awaken our dreams? Give us hope? Help us find solutions? I think it could.
Images:
Doug Hoke, "Uphill Battle," Archival Inkjet Print, 9 1/2 x 14 in., $300
Jim Keffer, "Corona Drive," Acrylic on Canvas, 24 x 28, $2,000
Carol Beesley, "Backroad, Near Turner Falls," Mixed Media on Canvas, 48 x 48 in., $6,912
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