Paradoxes of Emotion and Fiction

Paradoxes of Emotion and Fiction, Volume 1, explores the philosophical conundrum of how humans experience genuine emotions toward fictional characters. Robert Yanal examines the tension between knowing a story is invented and feeling real emotional responses. This work of philosophy on emotions analyzes historical perspectives, including Samuel Johnson's original paradox and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's concept of the willing suspension of disbelief.

Yanal critically reviews various theories, such as the idea of quasi-emotions or make-believe games, before proposing his own updated thought theory. This approach explains how thoughts not believed to be true can still trigger real emotional states. The text also applies this framework to other challenges in fiction, such as the experience of suspense during repeat readings and the pleasure derived from tragic narratives that evoke fear or pity.