Escapism in Fiction
Escapism occurs when someone tries to distract or relieve their mind from reality, especially by entertainment or engaging in fantasy. Fictional works appeal to many audiences because they give people the ability to escape reality. Although escapism is not the only reason that people like fictional stories, it is often considered as one of the leading reasons. Wanting to escape from a repetitive life and being entertained, wanting to control mood, and wanting to do something that can not be done in reality are some of the reasons that people use fiction as an escape from reality.
Firstly, people want to be entertained and spice up a seemingly dull life. Many people follow the same routines day after day. Some individuals …show more content…
People seem to have more and more stress as they mature. Stress can sometimes overcome someone’s ability to think clearly. Some people will use fiction to avoid this problem. When someone watches a movie or reads a book, they can let themselves sink into the character’s world and avoid certain thoughts. When they read books or watch movies, they are creating a stress-free world. Video games can also help with mood. In 16 Ways To De-Stress Alexandra Owens states that researchers at East Carolina University have found that playing nonviolent video games can improve mood and decrease stress, “‘Getting absorbed in games provides a distraction and relaxes the nervous system,’ explains Carmen Russoniello, a professor at the university.” If they are not reading books or watching movies, people can sometimes relate their personal lives to the lives of others. They can see that it is not only themselves that are in a certain situation, but others as well. They can escape their problem and see how others deal with the same problem they have. Fiction can also help people see things from a different point of view. As described by Chris Beckett in The Underrated, Universal Appeal of Science Fiction, fictional characters can allow people to explore a different way of viewing things, “This allows writers to explore the psychology of different …show more content…
Players can truly become who they wish to be and not be responsible for anything. But gamers are not always people who want to break rules, some people game because there are physical restrictions barring them from doing certain things. Someone might not have the ability to walk, but in the virtual world, they can freely move their character, as if it was an extension of their body. In a fantasy game, players can also gain friends, respect, and develop feelings that are not possible for certain individuals. People that have social anxiety could have a hard time making friends in real life. But when a player is a hero in a game, they can gain respect and friends through missions. Non-player characters in the game will talk to players in a respectful manner when the player completes a quest. Dating simulator games can allow people who cannot find a partner to feel loved and wanted. For example, in 2009, a Japanese man married a video game character, dozens of gamers witnessed the wedding. In the CNN report Tokyo man marries video game character, interviewee Sal says he loves the character: “‘I love this character, not a machine,’ said Sal, when asked about whether he can love an electronic device.” Overall, fiction allows people to do things that can not be done in the real world, create an extension of their life, and develop
Escapism occurs when someone tries to distract or relieve their mind from reality, especially by entertainment or engaging in fantasy. Fictional works appeal to many audiences because they give people the ability to escape reality. Although escapism is not the only reason that people like fictional stories, it is often considered as one of the leading reasons. Wanting to escape from a repetitive life and being entertained, wanting to control mood, and wanting to do something that can not be done in reality are some of the reasons that people use fiction as an escape from reality.
Firstly, people want to be entertained and spice up a seemingly dull life. Many people follow the same routines day after day. Some individuals …show more content…
People seem to have more and more stress as they mature. Stress can sometimes overcome someone’s ability to think clearly. Some people will use fiction to avoid this problem. When someone watches a movie or reads a book, they can let themselves sink into the character’s world and avoid certain thoughts. When they read books or watch movies, they are creating a stress-free world. Video games can also help with mood. In 16 Ways To De-Stress Alexandra Owens states that researchers at East Carolina University have found that playing nonviolent video games can improve mood and decrease stress, “‘Getting absorbed in games provides a distraction and relaxes the nervous system,’ explains Carmen Russoniello, a professor at the university.” If they are not reading books or watching movies, people can sometimes relate their personal lives to the lives of others. They can see that it is not only themselves that are in a certain situation, but others as well. They can escape their problem and see how others deal with the same problem they have. Fiction can also help people see things from a different point of view. As described by Chris Beckett in The Underrated, Universal Appeal of Science Fiction, fictional characters can allow people to explore a different way of viewing things, “This allows writers to explore the psychology of different …show more content…
Players can truly become who they wish to be and not be responsible for anything. But gamers are not always people who want to break rules, some people game because there are physical restrictions barring them from doing certain things. Someone might not have the ability to walk, but in the virtual world, they can freely move their character, as if it was an extension of their body. In a fantasy game, players can also gain friends, respect, and develop feelings that are not possible for certain individuals. People that have social anxiety could have a hard time making friends in real life. But when a player is a hero in a game, they can gain respect and friends through missions. Non-player characters in the game will talk to players in a respectful manner when the player completes a quest. Dating simulator games can allow people who cannot find a partner to feel loved and wanted. For example, in 2009, a Japanese man married a video game character, dozens of gamers witnessed the wedding. In the CNN report Tokyo man marries video game character, interviewee Sal says he loves the character: “‘I love this character, not a machine,’ said Sal, when asked about whether he can love an electronic device.” Overall, fiction allows people to do things that can not be done in the real world, create an extension of their life, and develop