The celebrated American director Edward Zwick, whose credits include "Road Warrior," "Legends of the Fall," and television shows like "Once Upon a Time in America," frequently examines themes of human resiliency and redemption. He made some observations about drama in one of his interviews that are relevant to both critics and many viewers.

According to Zwick, the purpose of dramas and stories is to assist people in processing their feelings. Humans require a way to express their emotions, much like we must release steam from a pressure cooker to keep it from blowing up. This is where drama enters the picture; it offers a secure environment in which we can feel strong emotions through characters who go through similar struggles as ourselves.

After the tension is built up and finally released, people who watch or read dramatic stories frequently experience a sense of relief. They seem to have been able to vent their emotions through the story without actually experiencing the events. Zwick calls this process of emotional cleansing "catharsis," and it can be immensely therapeutic.

This perspective on drama helps us to see how it can be used as a therapeutic tool for readers and viewers in addition to being an entertainment medium. People can discover ways to resolve their emotions and gain a deeper understanding of their own experiences by reading stories that arouse strong emotions.