Stanley's Heart

[Nephythys]

No one committed suicide in the Notebook- they were so in sync with each other that they died together- that was romantic.

I have never thought of Romeo and Juliet as romantic- no matter the version. In fact I find it a study in really bad communications. I did not say no one finds it romantic- but I do not.

I love West Side Story- for the music. The story is also well done, though I will point out no one committed suicide in that movie either.

I respect what MBC said though- he is not enamored of the idea of suicide being romantic either- but sometimes your writing and characters go places you may not normally venture.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

I respect what MBC said though- he is not enamored of the idea of suicide being romantic either- but sometimes your writing and characters go places you may not normally venture.

And, to be honest, everything I write goes places I don't normally venture because I'm admittedly very green. I'm just taking little nibbles on various subject matter to see what I can bring out of myself.

In this case, the idea presented itself after a lengthy conversation I had with a dear friend who lost his father a year ago. His mom hasn't been able to come to grips with the loss and tells her son that every night when she goes to sleep, she hopes she doesn't wake up. I watched my father go through his own grieving process which was lengthy and very sad.

I thought about Valentine's Day being one of those holidays (like Mother's Day) that everyone adores until the person you show affection to on those days is no longer here. From that point on, it becomes a day that you dread like the plague.

Lastly, one of the things I've yet to get out of my mind is how happy my roommate seemed on the day he chose to take his life. How sad it would be, feeling so much pain that the prospect of today being your last is what makes you happiest, something to celebrate.

Again, I appreciate everyone's comments.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

I did not say no one finds it romantic-

Originally Posted by Neph

Um, MBC- are we really supposed to see suicide as romantic?

You make it sound like finding suicide romantic is an impossibility for "us", when in fact, the most famous romantic story in the history of the written word includes suicide.

[3894]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

the most famous romantic story in the history of the written word includes suicide.

If we're talking about "Romeo and Juliet", I must say that my perception of the story has changed from when I was a teen to now as the mom of teen girls. Now, I think the story only proves a kid should obey her parents.

[Alex]

I felt that way about it even when I was a kid, but then even then I didn't have much tolerance for the romantic dramas teenagers create for themselves.

That said, I can see the potential for romance in suicide, though it would always also be tainted by tragedy. The two certainly aren't exclusive of each other.

[3894]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

That said, I can see the potential for romance in suicide, though it would always also be tainted by tragedy. The two certainly aren't exclusive of each other.

Picking up on this, Motorboat Cruiser- what if you amplified the tragedy in Stanley's suicide by giving him a grown child and some grandchildren who will find his frozen body? They're back at the farmhouse, maybe. Or a dog! A faithful farm dog that Stanley leaves back in the farmhouse when he goes out to die. As it is, you only have death - winter, old age - and brittle textures - hard wood, crunchy snow. A little contrast, maybe?