Unhappy Endings

The readings we have had recently are certainly considered naturalistic in their writing and an un traditional ending that can be seen as unhappy comes along with that. Ethan Frome that we read today certainly did not end with the protagonist on top. To Build a Fire ended with the protagonist frozen stiff and alone. Roman Fever ended without the two friends making up and I don't see how they can really mend their relationship now. Today many popular books, shows, and movies end with the protagonist "winning", the lovers riding away in the sunset on the white stallion, the football team winning the big game, the nerdy kid getting the hot girl. All of these endings leave the audience feeling good but unfortunately not everything in life ends well. These readings have been a great change of pace to the traditional happy endings that we get so much today.