How do I write realistic escapism?

Since the title probably isn't the most helpful (and it's past midnight), I'll try to describe what I mean.

At one point, I have a character who's been crippled as part of the Backstory getting not only his legs back, but getting a superhuman physiology via Phlebotinum. His obvious reaction to this is kid-in-the-candy-store-like enjoyment of his new freedom, and that sort of thing. (To the point where pulling him off of the Phlebotinum becomes so difficult it's plot-point-worthy.)

I want to drag my audience along for the ride as it were, and get them to empathize with what this character's feeling. In an ideal world, I'd be able to invoke Longing for Fictionland, but that's obviously rarely seen. However, I'd like to be able to do this without losing the element of This Is Reality in the work, i.e. without having to filter out the nasty bits of life. The end-goal is to portray the non-technological setting, warts and all, but still give off the vibe of This World Is Just Awesome.

Is it possible to achieve that? Would there have to be a tradeoff between TWIJA and realism? What would I have to do, writing-style wise, to get that mood?

Da Rules excuse all the inaccuracy in the world. Listen to them, not me.

It seems doable to be. You can juxtapose the character's happiness without trading off any of the realism.

I made an in depth analysis on escapism on this veri wiki

I hope it helps you.( you can ask me stuff if you like)

edited 14th Jun '11 8:50:42 PM by FallenLegend

Make your hearth shine through the darkest night; let it transform hate into kindness, evil into justice, and loneliness into love.

That was what made me think of this sort of thing.

For instance, presumably there's more of an effect if the character has... *

more reason to be unhappy before he gains the phlebotinum? Or is it better writing if his circumstances are good-generally-from-audience-POV, but bad for a reason specific to him/his personality?

Da Rules excuse all the inaccuracy in the world. Listen to them, not me.

If you're trying to go for maximum relatability, I would say the former is probably a safer bet; with the latter you run the risk of the audience getting annoyed and going "Man, I don't know what that idiot's whining about, his life is great!"

edited 15th Jun '11 7:40:32 PM by bluepenguin