Bathos in Literature: A Dive into Absurdity
Bathos is a literary term rooted in a Greek word meaning "depth." It describes a situation where a writer or poet unintentionally descends into trivial and absurd metaphors, descriptions, or ideas while attempting to convey deep emotions or passion. Distinguishing Bathos from Pathos It's important to note that bathos is distinct from "pathos." Originally introduced by Alexander Pope, bathos explained inadvertent errors committed by inexperienced writers or poets. However, comedic writers later intentionally employed bathos to create humorous effects, often involving a sequence that transitions from seriousness to silliness. Examples of Bathos in Various Forms of Entertainment Example #1: Chuckles the Clown's Funeral - "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
"In one episode of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' the character Chuckles the Clown meets a tragically absurd end, trampled by a rampaging elephant. Despite the macabre nature of the situation, t…