Meaning: This quote by Friedrich Durrenmatt, a Swiss playwright and novelist, encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of storytelling. Durrenmatt suggests that a story reaches its completion when it has explored the darkest and most challenging outcomes. In essence, he is highlighting the idea that a narrative achieves its full potential when it delves into the depths of adversity and confronts the worst possible scenarios. This concept speaks to the inherent tension and conflict that often underpins compelling storytelling, as well as the notion that true resolution and understanding can only be achieved through the exploration of adversity.

Durrenmatt's quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of storytelling itself. It emphasizes the importance of conflict and tension as essential elements in the development of a narrative. In order for a story to have depth and resonance, it must grapple with the complexities of human experience, including the darker aspects of life. By confronting the worst possible turn of events, a story can achieve a level of emotional and intellectual honesty that resonates with audiences.

Moreover, Durrenmatt's quote reflects the idea that true catharsis and resolution can only be attained through the exploration of adversity. In literature and drama, the concept of catharsis, as first articulated by Aristotle, refers to the emotional purification and purgation that an audience experiences through witnessing the struggles and ultimate resolution of a story's characters. Durrenmatt's assertion that a story is complete when it has taken the worst possible turn aligns with this notion, suggesting that only by confronting the most challenging circumstances can a narrative reach its full potential for emotional and intellectual impact.

In the context of Durrenmatt's own work, this quote resonates strongly. His plays and novels often delve into themes of moral ambiguity, existential crisis, and the darker aspects of human nature. In works such as "The Visit" and "The Physicists," Durrenmatt confronts audiences with challenging ethical dilemmas and explores the consequences of human frailty and societal corruption. By embracing the darkest possible turns in his narratives, Durrenmatt forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and grapple with the complexities of the human condition.

Furthermore, Durrenmatt's quote can be seen as a reflection of the broader tradition of tragic storytelling. In classical Greek drama, for example, the most powerful and enduring tragedies are those that depict the protagonists' inevitable downfall and suffering. The concept of hubris leading to nemesis, or excessive pride leading to a character's downfall, is a recurring motif in tragic literature. By embracing the worst possible turn of events, tragic narratives serve to remind audiences of the fragility of human existence and the consequences of hubris and moral failings.

In conclusion, Durrenmatt's quote encapsulates a profound understanding of the nature of storytelling and the inherent power of confronting adversity in narrative. By acknowledging the importance of exploring the worst possible turns in a story, Durrenmatt highlights the essential role of conflict, tension, and catharsis in creating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Through his own work and in the broader context of literary tradition, Durrenmatt's insight continues to serve as a reminder of the transformative potential of storytelling when it confronts the darkest aspects of human experience.