October Novel Prep Challenge

The old joke goes, in a Shakespearean comedy, one character dies. In a tragedy, everyone dies. I envision that lone protagonist, staring in despair across a desolate wasteland, all his family and friends gone. Or perhaps he perishes as well; perhaps the last scene in the book is his dying breathe.

Your thoughts about happy ending versus tragedy? Can anyone name a modern-day tragedy, in either lit or film, that achieved successes or acclaim?

Cheers,
Michelle