And there is an undercurrent of humor, expressed both musically and in the text, which keeps the work from becoming maudlin.

Ms. Houghton's script finds the power in these moments without becoming maudlin.

"In each of her stories, Proulx manages to illustrate just how miserable the lives of her characters are without becoming maudlin".

Now, he thought, she had become maudlin, turning full circle from her usual sardonic tough-as-nails stance.

He was fast becoming maudlin, sniffing now and rubbing the back of his hand under his nose.

He was becoming increasingly maudlin.

"But this is all becoming somewhat maudlin."

But being focused on making plans, such as arranging my own funeral, has stopped me from becoming maudlin.

But nothing could be further from the spirit of "Volver," which is buoyant without being flip, and consoling without ever becoming maudlin.