Relative Powers

[drigel]

while we can accept Eucatastrophes in stories, do they actually happen in real life - or do we merely wish that they would happen?

Its as if West (& maybe I'm being unfair on him, as I haven't read the actual story) has 'let me down' by simply telling me how things are in the world I live in.

There is no "happily ever after" in that example that you gave. There was none for Frodo either. In terms of justice, that is. The rest of ME - yes. But, isnt the whole point of eucatastrophes the fact that it is an internal process? Is not whole point of self sacrifice in the deed itself, regardless of outcome? If I experience eucatastrophe standing right next to you, would you notice it?

They merely show us the world as we know it, as opposed to the way we feel it should be...

I wouldnt want it any other way. What I feel "should be" may not be how you feel.