Combat As Catharsis

So it’s the single largest most everlasting trope in fiction. It doesn’t even matter the medium. It’s in books, television shows, films and video games: the final boss battle. The hero has risen from relative obscurity, and against all odds overcome the obstacles placed before them. But none of that compares to this moment. This final test where they must employ every single skill they’ve acquired along the journey of their story arc. They step up to the Big Bad…and they punch him. It’s glorious, isn’t it?

Now, this is going to be awkward, because like I said, this trope has wormed its way into every corner of storytelling, but I feel I must still defend combat as a means of catharsis in fiction. You see, despite its ubiquitousness, I don’t think combat gets the respect it deserves. It is looked as somehow low-brow. I enjoy a big talky conclusion as much as the next guy. And in certain genres, that sort of thing has its place. Think of the rousing speech at the end of films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. But sometimes what you need is punching. Like in boxing movies. The built-up tension needs to be expunged via violence. And it makes us feel good. There’s an art to it. We shouldn’t knock it.