A good story should make you laugh, and a moment later break your heart

[Mike MC]

What does "A good story should make you laugh, and a moment later break your heart" mean?

I just saw the above quote from Chuck Palahniuk, but I can't understand its meaning.

 

[Skrej]

A good story should make you laugh, then shortly afterwards make you sad.

See the related adjective heartbroken.

 

[Mike MC]

A good story should make you laugh, then shortly afterwards make you sad.

But why? How can it be both funny and sad? What's the point?

See the related adjective heartbroken.

I understand the meaning of the words. What I don't get is the meaning of the quote as a whole.

 

[teechar]

I suppose to him, a good story should have strong comic and dramatic elements/aspects to it.

 

[emsr2d2]

But why? How can it be both funny and sad? What's the point?

Have you really never read a book or seen a film (movie) that had both comic and tragic elements?

 

[Mike MC]

Have you really never read a book or seen a film (movie) that had both comic and tragic elements?

I got the point. Thank you!