Final answer:
Narrative Dissonance is the term used to describe the feeling of discomfort when a story does not end as expected, often clashing with the expectation for a happy ending. Such an emotional reaction resonates with audiences, as seen in literature and plays like 'A Doll's House', where the protagonist's unconventional decision defies the traditional closure, leading to a deeper engagement with the story's themes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Callers who expect a happy ending and don't receive it may experience what is known as Narrative Dissonance. This term refers to the sense of dissatisfaction or discomfort that arises when the conclusion of a story does not align with the readers’ or viewers' expectations for a positive or resolution-filled outcome. Our exposure to conventional storytelling often conditions us to anticipate a neatly wrapped up ending where all conflicts are resolved, sometimes referred to as "Closure Satisfaction". However, not all stories, especially those that aim to reflect the real-life complexities and uncertainties, end on such a note.
In the context of this question, the concept of the ending is linked to the use of the Freudian idea that unfulfilled stages in life lead to emotional consequences. Moreover, the discussion on how audiences cope or even push back against an unhappy ending reminds us that the ending of a play is significant in defining the audience's overall experience and can provoke conversations long after the curtain falls.