Appeals in the Documentary
Ethos: This appeal is often used throughout the documentary. Ethos is used when the students vandalize someone's house as payback for changing the theme for prom without consulting them. This isn't an ethically acceptable or responsible solution. Another example occurs when one of Megan's friends sends "pictures" to two boys she likes and trusts. One of these boys then forwards that "picture" to Megan and she sends it out to everyone she knows, despite the fact that she is supposedly that girl's friend. It is not morally right to do this to anyone whether or not they are a friend.
Pathos: Emotional appeals are used frequently in this documentary. An example of pathos occurs when Hannah becomes depressed; the boyfriend who she "loves" and can't imagine being without, breaks up with her. She can't bring herself to go to school, and she says that she feels scared, worthless, and empty inside. This makes the audience feel sad and one can feel her pain. As well, one learns that Megan's sister had committed suicide; this affects the audience because most people could not imagine what it would feel like to lose someone they love. At the end of the documentary, the five students have written a paragraph describing their lives today and how they have matured. Now they all seem happy with their lives, and it is interesting to see how all the negatives have finally turned into positives which makes one feel happy.
Pathos: Emotional appeals are used frequently in this documentary. An example of pathos occurs when Hannah becomes depressed; the boyfriend who she "loves" and can't imagine being without, breaks up with her. She can't bring herself to go to school, and she says that she feels scared, worthless, and empty inside. This makes the audience feel sad and one can feel her pain. As well, one learns that Megan's sister had committed suicide; this affects the audience because most people could not imagine what it would feel like to lose someone they love. At the end of the documentary, the five students have written a paragraph describing their lives today and how they have matured. Now they all seem happy with their lives, and it is interesting to see how all the negatives have finally turned into positives which makes one feel happy.