Short Thoughts on Ki Tavo - Rebuke without Consolation?

Most of Parshat Ki Tavo is composed of the Tokhekha -the rebuke and the curses detailing what will happen if Bnei Yisrael do not keep the Divine Covenant. In many ways, the rebuke in this parsha is less harsh than the rebuke in Behukotai, but in Behukotai (in the book of Vayikra) there is also consolation at the end. In our parsha, there is no consolation – though next week’s parsha does contain consolation.

Is there some meaning and educational or religious purpose in the division of the parshiyyot such that our parsha ends in the midst of despair? Perhaps the answer is connected to the time of year wherein this Parsha is read. A situation wherein we contemplate the dire situation for a while, and then receive a glimmer of hope, can be a catalyst for teshuva and growth.