Example: In the classic novel "Les Misérables," Victor Hugo draws on the heartstrings by depicting the plight of Jean Valjean, a former convict transformed into a compassionate benefactor. Readers' emotions are stirred by Valjean's enduring resilience, self-sacrifice, and capacity for love despite the cruelties he has endured.
2. Nostomania: Yearning for the Past
Example: The movie "Up" effectively uses this technique through the character of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly balloon salesman who embarks on an extraordinary adventure to honor the memory of his deceased wife, Ellie. The film tugs at the audience's emotions by tapping into themes of nostalgia, loss, and the bittersweetness of cherished memories.
3. Catharsis: Emotional Release and Healing
Example: In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the tragic love story between the star-crossed lovers culminates in their deaths, which evoke a sense of catharsis in the audience. The heightened emotions and dramatic events enable viewers to experience their grief, compassion, and understanding in a deeply personal and emotional way.