The Lady of Shalott - Lesson 6 - Pathetic Fallacy Worksheet

The concept of pathetic fallacy, a literary device used to attribute human emotions to inanimate objects of nature, is explored in this English teaching resource. The lesson includes an engaging worksheet that examines how weather can be used to enhance storytelling in films. Through the provided examples, students are encouraged to consider the impact of weather on the mood of a scene. One of the exercises on the worksheet involves watching a movie clip where heavy rain accompanies the death of a main character, effectively creating a sombre and poignant atmosphere. This exercise helps students understand how weather can be manipulated in film to reflect or intensify the emotions of a scene.

Further examples from well-known films such as "The Lord of the Rings" are included in the lesson to illustrate the use of pathetic fallacy in both battle scenes and endings. The worksheet prompts students to identify the weather effect created in these scenes and discuss how it contributes to the viewer's emotional response. By analysing different scenarios, students learn to recognise the purposeful use of weather elements by filmmakers to evoke specific feelings and to underscore the narrative. This resource serves as a practical tool for teaching students about the use of pathetic fallacy in visual storytelling, enhancing their appreciation of film and literature.