There is nothing more saddening than a story that gets an apathetic reaction. A story should influence and affect us. The storyteller wants to see their audience pay attention, hang on their words, and applaud with a standing ovation when it is all done. Why do you think Superman has lasted so long as a character? It is Escapism; you dream of doing what Superman is doing, flying around with a cape rustling behind you. Ancient myths also entranced the world. These stories have entire religions based upon them. Even today there are storytellers who have created their own devoted worshipers.