Bathos

Bathos is defined as "an abrupt transition in style from the exalted to the commonplace, producing a ludicrous effect" by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This is can be observed frequently in the satirical epic poem The Rape of the Lock. Pope will use language that conveys to the reader a dire situation, then abruptly shift his style and talk about Belinda and her lost lock. For example:

“E'er felt such rage, resentment, and despair,
As thou, sad Virgin! for thy ravish'd Hair.” (Pope, 17-20). 

The first of these two lines implies that something awful has befallen a character to make them feel "rage, resentment, and despair." However, the next line reveals that he is talking about Belinda's hair, who's situation is only mildly unfortunate and not warranting of such strong emotions. The ridiculous contrast of the language Pope uses to describe the plot with the events that take place persists throughout the poem to highlight how silly Belinda's adventure really is. 

The film Cast Away employs bathos when depicting the death of Wilson. Wilson is Tom Hanks's companion while he is stranded on an island. Wilson also happens to be a volleyball. When Wilson "dies," Chuck sobs at the loss of his friend. The viewer can't help but be amused as he cries over losing a volleyball, but at the same time completely empathizes with him over losing a close friend. This quick transition makes the viewer feel a wide range of emotions in a short time and become further invested in the story.