Which term describes a purifying or figurative cleansing of the emotions?

The term that best describes a purifying or figurative cleansing of the emotions is catharsis. In psychological and literary contexts, catharsis refers to the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. The concept is often associated with the experience of art, particularly in drama, where viewers undergo an emotional release after witnessing the relatable struggles of the characters. This release can lead to a feeling of renewal or a restored emotional state.

In contrast, the other terms do not convey the same meaning. Canon refers to a collection of works considered authoritative in a particular field, while cogent describes arguments or reasons that are clear, logical, and convincing. Commiserate involves expressing sympathy or sorrow for someone else's misfortune, which doesn’t necessarily indicate an emotional cleansing experience. Thus, catharsis stands out as the term specifically related to the release and purification of emotions.