Final answer:
The playwright altering the ending from death to a happy resolution suggests they assume the audience prefers an optimistic outcome akin to a melodrama, seeks a surprising journey, and is willing to suspend their disbelief in favor of a satisfying theatrical experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assumption that a playwright might be making about the audience when changing the ending of a novel where the main characters die to one where they live happily ever after is primarily that the audience prefers a more optimistic outcome. This reflects a trend, often seen in melodramas, where there's a clear distinction between good and evil, with the expectation of a happy resolution for the protagonists. It implies that the audience is looking for entertainment that ultimately provides positive justice or fulfillment. It is also possible that the filmmaker believes the audience desires a more surprising journey, divergent from the predictable outcomes of tragedy.
The playwriting process, including the crafting of a satisfying ending, requires understanding the emotional journey audiences expect from a story. Dropping the tragic deaths of essential characters such as Romeo and Juliet in favor of a joyous conclusion suggests that the filmmaker is tapping into the audience's desire for a fulfilling and possibly uplifting experience. Much like in melodramas, the audience attends the theater, willing to suspend their disbelief, and often walks away reflecting on the ending. To redefine the ending in this manner, the playwright seems to be banking on the audience's willingness to accept this departure from the original storyline for the sake of a gratifying dramatic experience.