Definition & Meaning of "pathetic fallacy"

What is "pathetic fallacy"?

Pathetic fallacy is a literary device where human emotions are attributed to nature or inanimate objects, often to reflect the mood or feelings of characters in a story. For instance, "The sun was smiling down upon them" suggests a joyful or hopeful atmosphere, while "The raindrops wept around him" conveys sadness or grief. This technique enhances the emotional tone of a scene by aligning the natural environment with the character's inner emotions or the overall atmosphere of the narrative.