Is Knowing the Ending Essential for Enjoying a Story?

Explore the nuances of storytelling and the reader's journey through an analysis of narrative structure, time perception, and the impact of knowing—or not knowing—the ending of a story.

Breaking the Moment of Closure: The Ending as a Journey's Goal

The ending of a story or novel is often seen as the final destination, the fulfillment of a journey. However, it is not simply a conclusion to be read but rather a journey in itself. In fact, stopping mid-journey to know the ending can rob the reader of the entire experience.

Why? Because stories, especially narratives, are structured to engage with the experiences of time, as noted by philosophers and scholars since Aristotle. Whether through film, literature, or any other medium, narratives unfold through a series of events, beginning, middle, and end, each contributing to the overall arc of the story.

Story vs. Narration: Differentiating Elements of Experience

In narratives, the story is the sequence of events as they follow each other, while the narration is the order in which these events are presented. The act of narration itself is what transforms the events into a narrative, shaping the reader's perception through time.

When we experience a story, we are not merely retracing a sequence of events; we are navigating a journey structured by time. The moment of closure, the final event that resolves the tension and answers the expectations set in motion from the beginning, is a pivotal moment. This moment marks a return to a known state, often referred to as the "state of zero information" in cybernetics. It provides a sense of completion, a resolution that can be both a satisfying end and a newfound optimism for the future. In a traditional comedy, this might be the marriage of the young couple, affirming the return to a normal sequence of time. In a tragedy, it could be the death or destruction of the disrupting force, reaffirming the nobility of the human order.

Art as a Frame for Closure: The Role of Endings in Storytelling

Works of art, much like stories, provide a frame for experiences that might otherwise lack a clear endpoint in real life. In reality, a wedding does not end the cycle of change and disruption; a hero's triumph does not halt the march of history. Each event gives way to another, and chaos and pain persist. However, through art, we can create a structured experience where endings are possible, where a development is complete, and where space is framed within a defined narrative arc.

The inherent structure of stories allows for a sense of closure that is often unattainable in real life. By capturing moments of triumph or resolution, art provides a miniaturized version of what our lives strive for. It is the ending that brings a semblance of order, a moment when we can look forward to the future with a confident expectation. Without this sense of closure, each story becomes an open-ended narrative, always leading to another event and another disruption.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Journey Over the Destination

Ultimately, the essence of a story lies not just in its conclusion but in the journey that leads to it. The anticipation of the ending, the suspense of what will happen next, and the emotions evoked along the way are all integral parts of the narrative experience. Knowing the ending early can indeed rob the story of its full impact, but it is up to the reader to decide what they want to gain from the text.

Whether you savor every page, every twist and turn, or prefer the exhilaration of the unknown, the true joy of storytelling comes from how you engage with the narrative. The journey, the time perception, and the emotional investment in the story are what make the act of reading so rich and fulfilling. So, the next time you picks up a book or begin a new narrative, embrace the journey, and let the destination come when it is meant to.