Babbitt

In writing, characters have wants and needs, and the resolution of the need at the expense of the want is the hallmark of a happy ending. The character grows up, realizes the want was immature and becomes content with resolving the need. However, this story telling device only works if the character's want is actually immature. When it isn't, but still lives in opposition with the need, the story is a tragedy. This story is a tragedy.