Here's what they are looking for:
* Emotional Language: The reader will pay attention to the language used, specifically words and phrases that evoke emotions like fear, anger, sadness, joy, or hope. For example, "heartbreaking," "cruel," "inspiring," or "devastating."
* Anecdotes and Personal Stories: The reader will look for personal stories or anecdotes that are designed to evoke empathy and connect with the reader on an emotional level.
* Appeals to Values: The reader will consider how the author appeals to shared values, such as fairness, justice, freedom, or patriotism.
* Use of Imagery and Vivid Descriptions: The reader will notice how the author uses imagery and vivid descriptions to create a powerful emotional impact.
* Emotional Tone: The reader will pay attention to the overall emotional tone of the piece – is it angry, hopeful, sorrowful, or celebratory?
By identifying and analyzing these elements, the critical reader can assess whether the emotional appeals are:
* Effective: Do they resonate with the reader and create a desired response?
* Honest: Are the emotions genuine, or are they being manipulated?
* Appropriate: Are the emotional appeals relevant to the topic and the audience?
The goal of a critical reader is to understand how pathos is being used, not just to experience the emotions themselves. This allows them to evaluate the effectiveness and legitimacy of the argument being presented.