* Exploration of sadness and grief: The author might be interested in exploring the nature of sadness, grief, and loss, examining how people cope with difficult emotions, and potentially offering different perspectives on these universal human experiences. The collector could be a metaphor for the way we internalize or attempt to control negative feelings.
* Critique of societal norms: The story might critique societal pressures to suppress negative emotions, highlighting the potential harms of ignoring or denying sadness. The collector could represent a counter-cultural figure who embraces what society rejects.
* Development of a unique character: The premise itself is intriguing and unusual. The author might be drawn to the inherent dramatic potential of a character with such an unusual occupation, exploring their motivations, relationships, and internal conflicts.
* Metaphorical representation: The "sadness collector" could be a metaphor for something else entirely. Perhaps they represent an archivist of history, a collector of forgotten stories, or someone who absorbs the pain of others. The specific meaning would depend on the context of the story.
* Addressing personal experiences: The author may have personal experiences with sadness, loss, or empathy that they are processing or exploring through their writing. The story could be a form of catharsis or self-discovery.
* Exploring the value of negative emotions: The story might argue that sadness, while painful, is a necessary and valuable part of the human experience, offering growth and understanding.
Ultimately, the "why" behind any fictional work is complex and often multi-layered. The author's intention could encompass several of these reasons or others entirely unique to their creative vision.