The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

bilbo_baggins · 04-15-2005, 05:36 PM

A single thought occurred to me, and as my original thoughts tend to be already in play I will happily concede to the closing of this thread if the topic is already used.

To bring us to the theme of my thread, I ask the question:

Does Tolkien's idea of Eucatastrophe lead to the undeniable destruction of the story itself? Does a good, all-engrossing story create its own demise?

To explain, in LoTR the plot centers around the quest for the destruction of the ring. Trials and obstruction occur, but are overcome. When the ring is destroyed, the entire plot vanishes. To continue the story would only prolong the inevitable end, and the introduction of another large plot-twisting dilemna would seem too obvious, too soap-opera-ish.

So, the question is, can their be a story that is enjoyable, wonderful, eucatastrophic, and yet not lead to a foreseeable end?

b_b

04-15-2005, 05:36 PM	#1
bilbo_baggins Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: In my front hallway, grabbing my staff, about to head out my door Posts: 275	The Doom of Eucatastrophe A single thought occurred to me, and as my original thoughts tend to be already in play I will happily concede to the closing of this thread if the topic is already used. To bring us to the theme of my thread, I ask the question: Does Tolkien's idea of Eucatastrophe lead to the undeniable destruction of the story itself? Does a good, all-engrossing story create its own demise? To explain, in LoTR the plot centers around the quest for the destruction of the ring. Trials and obstruction occur, but are overcome. When the ring is destroyed, the entire plot vanishes. To continue the story would only prolong the inevitable end, and the introduction of another large plot-twisting dilemna would seem too obvious, too soap-opera-ish. So, the question is, can their be a story that is enjoyable, wonderful, eucatastrophic, and yet not lead to a foreseeable end? b_b __________________ "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and with more knowledge comes more grief."