Why Are Sad Endings Better Than Happy Ones? - Frankie Cameron Writes (2024)

FAQs

Why do we like sad stories? ›

Through experiencing fictional situations, we get a sort of emotional catharsis that is unparalleled in everyday life, one that elicits positive emotions (such as relief, reassurance, and a feeling of belonging) and a desire to revisit the experience whenever the same catharsis is needed.

Tragedy (from the Greek: τραγῳδία, tragōidia) is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a main character.

When it comes to sad movie endings, the filmmakers are attempting to elicit one of two responses from viewers. The most manipulative is bringing the audience to tears with an end that they might have seen coming but hoped to avoid. However, sadness and tear-jerk moments are a dicey tool.

Sad endings can have an emotional effect on the reader/watcher more than a normal happy ending. Studies have shown that we might actually enjoy sad endings because we can empathize and identify better with the characters.

Tragedy works wonders because the audience is always rooting for the lead characters to be together, but the director shocks them. If that shock works, then it's even better than a happy ending. I feel unrequited love, is something which everyone relates to.

Experts also suggest that these sad stories help us appreciate the things that make our lives meaningful. It's a way to experience some of the beneficial aspects of sadness (such as gaining insight and catharsis) without feeling stressed or anxious.

It might be the death of a character, failure to realize an ambition or a cruel twist of fate that goes against all our hopes. However it comes around, a sad ending will stay in the reader's mind long after the sugar-sweet memory of yet another happy-ever-after has faded.

To put it bluntly, A sad ending is when the story ends on an overwhelmingly negative emotion. A happy ending is when the story ends on an overwhelmingly positive emotion.

A bad ending with the protagonist dying can be such a resolution. For example when: It becomes obvious that the goal the protagonist was fighting for was never achievable for them. When the central conflict gets resolved by the death of the protagonist.

What makes sad movies so "enjoyable" is this: they allow us to confront very real and deeply sad feelings in a safe and protected environment. They allow us to confront real issues by experiencing “reality” in a safe distance on the screen because our emotional Page 2 2 responses feel real.

Why do I cry after a sad movie? ›

Crying in response to a movie reveals high empathy, social awareness and connection – all aspects of emotional intelligence. As such, it is an indicator of personal strength rather than weakness.

The final pages or paragraphs or even sentences of a story carry extraordinary weight. They can and should leave a lasting impression on the reader and often determine the overall success of the narrative. That is a lot of pressure. This could be why some endings seem forced or contrived.

Both happy and sad endings to a book are okay, but you should decide what works best for your story. Happy endings are more likely to leave readers satisfied. Happy endings usually come with better resolutions. Happy endings will awaken positive emotions in your readers.

TRAGIC ENDING definition in American English | Collins English Dictionary.

Research suggests that readers who gravitate toward books that will make them unhappy do so for “both eudaimonic motives ('insight' and 'personal growth') and meta-emotions (liking to feel various emotions while reading)” (Koopman, 2015, p. 27).

[News involving tragedies] carries more psychological weight than positive information, which makes sense in evolutionary terms: We want to know where the potential dangers and threats are in our environment, and so our attention is drawn to problems and negative information.

Emotional resonance

When it comes to the former, it often reflects the connection to the characters, storyline, or something that triggers some.” This is a good thing from a psychological standpoint because it helps you release certain emotions and process certain feelings.

Or, to be more specific, this study found that the sadness we experience when we watch a movie with a tragic plot causes us to reflect on our lives, particularly on our close personal relationships, which makes us feel not only grateful for those relationships, but happier.