Well, first of all, the helplessness in the face of circumstances. In real - life sad love stories, people are often at the mercy of external factors. For example, cultural differences may prevent two people from being together. Also, the investment of emotions. When people truly love each other and then things go wrong, all those feelings they've poured into the relationship turn into pain. It's not just a simple break - up; it's the end of a shared emotional journey that they thought would last forever.
One element is the sense of loss. For example, when someone loses a loved one, like in the story of the family losing their dog. It's a sudden void that can't be easily filled. Another is shattered dreams, like the girl who couldn't dance anymore. It's the destruction of a future one has envisioned.
The sense of loss. In a sad true love story, like when two lovers are separated by death or circumstances, the loss of that deep connection is gut - wrenching. It's like a part of your soul is missing.
The finality of it. In a sad true love story, often there's no chance for a happy ending. It's like a door that's been shut forever.
The sense of loss is a big factor. When two people are in love and then something like death or distance separates them, it creates a void. For example, if a couple is separated by a natural disaster and one loses the other, the sudden loss makes the love story heart - wrenching. There's also the aspect of helplessness. When they can't do anything to save their love, like in the case of a social or family pressure forcing them apart, it makes the story even more poignant.
The finality of it. In a sad true love story, there's often an end that can't be reversed. For example, if one of the lovers dies, like in the story of Romeo and Juliet, there's no coming back from that. It's the ultimate loss that makes it so sad and poignant.
The contrast between the love once felt and the loss or pain that follows. For example, when two people love each other but are separated by death or circumstances, the memory of the love makes the sad part even more heart - wrenching.
One element is unfulfilled love. For example, when two people love each other but are separated by circumstances like family disapproval or distance. Another is sacrifice. Like in the story where the man who came back from war chose not to disrupt his ex - girlfriend's new life. Also, the shortness of time they have together, like the couple where one is terminally ill, makes it sadder. It makes the love seem more precious and the loss more painful.
The brevity. An SMS is short, so it can convey a lot of pain in just a few words. For example, 'Goodbye forever' in an SMS can be really heart - rending as it leaves so much unsaid.
One element is the loss of something precious, like a loved one or a dream. For example, in the story of Max, the dog lost his owners' love and care. Another is helplessness. The girl Lily couldn't do anything to get her ability to dance back. And also, the destruction of a stable life, like the family losing their home in the fire.
His characters are usually ordinary people facing extraordinary difficulties. In a 'bukowski sad story', it could be about a man who has lost his job, his love, and his self - respect all at once. The way Bukowski describes their internal turmoil and the external forces that are against them makes it poignant. It's like he's shining a light on the hidden corners of despair that most people would rather not think about.