Can Tragedy be escapist? (NOT an Escapism is bad thread)

I wondered if I should make this on Writer's Block or here but decided to do it here. I read some article before that made the argument that even tragedy at times can be escapism. I think I agree. Writing tragedy can be good for the writer AND the audience, feeling they work out their problems along with the main character and or any character they relate to in the narrative. And even with Stories with extremely bleak Downer Endings one can find that even in fiction sadness and darkness exists and our own problems seem less painful somehow.

And no, this is not a "Escapism is bad" thread. Much like anything, it can be good in measured doses.

I'd say yes. Horror functions as escapism for many people who enjoy a very calm life, a bit in the same way that so many metal-heads and other fans of loud music are very zen outside of concerts. You get your adrenalin fix provided through the escapism, and get to live your daily life without the need for any actual danger. The term "misery porn" is used often in a derogatory fashion, usually about works that are sad for the point of being sad. But there is also worth in experiencing entertainment that is sad and/or dark, because you need downs in order to appreciate the ups.

anything can be a form of escapism although I don't know many people who indulge in tragic works because of their own tragedy

Edited by Ultimatum on Apr 3rd 2024 at 10:29:41 AM

I think fictional tragedy can be used as a way to deal with real life grief in a way that is more simple than the often messy reality. Say, works with a dead parent for someone whose parents had a messy divorce, it's more comforting to identify someone who lost their mom or dad to a mysterious illness.

This is similar as to why horror is popular. It allows you to experience dark and negative emotions in a safe way, where the ride is over at the end. I think tragedy can totally be escapist, in that sometimes people just crave that feeling in a harmless way.