Well said, Art. ;-) Indeed, the humorous twist in the stories does, as you say, form the perfect counterpoint for the tragedy...and I'd say that that is the greatest strength of McMurtry's writing right there, the way he brings humor in, and it's what I like best about the books. McCrae, in particular, is just a delightfully witty character. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Lonesome Dove" up to a certain point...and then it began to bother me how all the characters were, one way or another, being defeated by life (and by their weaknesses or blind spots). It bothered me more and more, but I perservered to the final end of the story....which I found totally, utterly depressing, as I've said. Being a person who is sometimes afflicted by depression anyway....I don't need that!

There are ways to end a life which have grandeur, meaning, and great dignity, heroism and nobility. It isn't always just a sorry and miserable end, and it's never meaningless. Not in my opinion.

Matter of fact, I don't think anything is meaningless that happens in life. I think it's all imbued with tremendous meaning. People just don't see that most of the time, because they are unaware of the part they play, and they're distracted by little things. Inspired people do see the meaning that's at the heart of life, and they are remembered for that long after they leave this world.

Your pronouncements here may not be as meaningless as you assert, because they are part of your own sacred journey.