Why do people like tragedies so much?

“People seem to use tragedies as a way to reflect on the important relationships in their own life, to count their blessings,” she said. “That can help explain why tragedies are so popular with audiences, despite the sadness they induce.”

Why do audiences appreciate tragedies?

According to Aristotle, when the dramatic performance reaches its resolution, the audience experiences a therapeutic release of these feelings of pity and fear. He termed this therapeutic aspect of tragedy catharsis . Many scholars maintain the theater continues to serve this therapeutic function today.

Why do we need tragedy?

The aim of tragedy, Aristotle writes, is to bring about a “catharsis” of the spectators — to arouse in them sensations of pity and fear, and to purge them of these emotions so that they leave the theater feeling cleansed and uplifted, with a heightened understanding of the ways of gods and men.

Why do I want my life to be a tragedy?

A2A. As Delia Binder says, the most common motivation for watching a tragic story is our desire for catharsis . In addition (and in more modern terms,) watching tragedies can help us feel less alone in our fear, pain, and suffering. It can help us feel that other people have it worse than we do.

Why do sad stories make me happy?

Bottom line: We may be drawn to sad movies because we tend to feel happier after watching them. These good feelings may result from feeling grateful for the circumstances in our lives or from feeling connected to other people (or both).

What is the effect of tragedy on the audience?

Aristotle states that a well written tragedy produces catharsis. It produces a feeling of pity and fear in the audience watching it. The audience should feel pity for the tragic hero or heroine, a good person who falls from good fortune to bad fortune through no fault of their own.

What is the significance of pity and fear in tragedy?

Along with fear, pity is one of the emotions aroused in the audience of a tragedy. We respond with pity, Aristotle seems to suggest, when we as members of the audience identify with the tragic hero’s suffering. Pity and fear are “purged” in the process of catharsis.

How does tragedy affect the audience?

How do tragedies shape us personally?

Tragedy exposes our vulnerability in an unpredictable world and therefore may cause us to feel weak or helpless. But, paradoxically, it can also boost our self-confidence and lead us to view ourselves as stronger.

Do people like tragedies?

CONCLUSION: Watching tragic movies makes some people happier because they bring attention to positive aspects in their own lives. “Tragic stories often focus on themes of eternal love,” says Knobloch-Westerwick in a statement, “and this leads viewers to think about their loved ones and count their blessings.”