What Draws Us to Tragedy?

Shakespeare's works are separated by two categories; Comedy and Tragedy. In order to distinguish which is which, determines on how the story ends. If it ends with a wedding, it is a comedy. If it ends with death, it is a tragedy. My two favorite works from Shakespeare are great examples that define each. Much Ado about Nothing is a comedy and Hamlet is a tragedy. Of course we've come a long way since Shakespeare's time and now these categories are determined by other characteristics but I want to focus on tragedy for a moment.

What is it about tragedy that makes it appealing in literature or entertainment in general? Why are we drawn to see unfortunate things happen to others? In our own lives we loath tragedy and do everything we can to avoid it. Yet we are willing to pay to be entertained by it. This can range from watching serial killer documentaries to being drawn to the character development of the antagonist of a story. Some can argue that with tragedies we are exposed

to truth. Nothing is sugar coated or buttered up, we are exposed to the essence of something in its raw form. Tragedies remind us of the coarseness of life and offer a lesson in doing so. We walk away feeling emotionally stronger and prepared for the next step.

With the new manuscript I am working on, exploring the limitless power tragedy brings to the writing world is almost intoxicating. When writing something with the goal of a happy ending and lightheartedness in mind, it puts restraints on the writer. Rules have to be followed, empathy must be priority, and all done so without making anything cheesy. However, when there are no rules and your pen is aloud to go crazy, the possibilities are endless. Now of course I am speaking simply as a writer on this, so what about the audience?

Aside from finding truth in the midst of trouble, a fictional tale that brings little solace and foreshadows a villain winning in the end brings to light that our reality isn't as bad. We can close the book and look up to see the sun still rising in the morning and breath still in our lungs. Like waking up from a bad dream we can take comfort in the fact that it was all just fiction. However, what about those who find the will to pick up a book they know is not going to end well? Perhaps they themselves are feeling nihilistic and down, the events of the story give them something to relate to, a place to belong.

Obviously, the western entertainment industry puts a heavy focus on happy endings and "all is well that ends well". Few movies are made with an ending where the bad guy gets away. That's not to say there are none at all though. One of my favorite films "No Country for Old Men" is a great example of the bad guy getting away and the good guy giving up. It's a reminder that sometimes situations in life will end differently then how we would like. I'm not sure why more movies like this are made, when I mention this one to most people they all have a similar response in how much they love the movie. I think it sends a good message that everyone enjoys a good tragedy from time to time. Same goes for the literature world. I don't think Shakespeare would have written so many tragic plays if they were not well received by the public at the time.

That is just my thoughts on tragedy and its influence on the human mind. I'm curious to hear yours, email me or leave a comment below.