What kind of appeal is demonstrated when a statement evokes someone's pity?

The appeal that evokes someone's pity is identified as an Appeal to Pity. This rhetorical strategy is used when an argument attempts to induce feelings of compassion or sympathy in the audience to persuade them to accept a conclusion. By eliciting emotional responses related to suffering, hardship, or injustice, the speaker or writer seeks to gain support by aligning their argument with the audience's values of empathy and care for others.

In the context of argumentative rhetoric, the Appeal to Pity plays on the human inclination to respond emotionally to situations that involve distress or misfortune. For example, a person might argue for leniency by discussing the difficult circumstances that led to their actions, hoping that the audience's pity will influence their judgment.

The other types of appeals, such as those related to prestige, practical consequences, or ridicule, serve different purposes. While they may also be persuasive, they do not specifically leverage the emotional resonance of pity to advocate for a position or decision.