Resolution

Definition

Resolution is the part of a story where the conflict comes to a close and the story's plot reaches its conclusion. It typically occurs after the climax and serves to wrap up loose ends, allowing the characters and readers to see how the events of the narrative have resolved. This crucial element can provide closure, insight, or a sense of change for the characters, reflecting the overall theme of the work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many stories, the resolution provides a clear outcome for the main characters, showing how they have changed or what they have learned.
2. The resolution can vary in tone; it might be happy, sad, or open-ended, depending on the author’s intent and the story’s themes.
3. Some stories employ an ironic resolution where expectations are subverted, leaving readers with unexpected conclusions.
4. In short stories, resolutions may be brief but still effectively convey the message or theme of the narrative.
5. The effectiveness of a resolution often hinges on how well it ties back to earlier conflicts and character arcs throughout the story.

Review Questions

• How does the resolution function in relation to character development and thematic elements within a story?
  • The resolution plays a crucial role in character development by showcasing how characters respond to and grow from their experiences throughout the narrative. It often reflects thematic elements by illustrating how conflicts are resolved and what lessons have been learned. A well-crafted resolution can provide clarity on character motivations and highlight key themes, making it an essential component that ties together various aspects of the story.
• Compare and contrast different types of resolutions found in literature and their impact on reader experience.
  • Different types of resolutions can significantly affect how readers engage with a story. For instance, a clear and definitive resolution can provide satisfaction and closure, allowing readers to feel that all conflicts have been resolved. Conversely, an open-ended or ambiguous resolution may leave readers contemplating possible interpretations and outcomes, fostering deeper engagement with the themes presented. Each approach shapes reader experience in unique ways, influencing emotional responses and reflections on the narrative.
• Evaluate how an ironic resolution alters the expectations set throughout a story and its effect on thematic interpretation.
  • An ironic resolution alters expectations by subverting what readers anticipate based on previous plot developments, creating a surprising twist that can enhance thematic interpretation. By leading readers down one path only to reveal an unexpected outcome, authors can challenge preconceived notions about character motivations or moral lessons. This technique often forces readers to reconsider their understanding of conflict and resolution, encouraging them to explore deeper meanings behind actions and events within the story.

Related terms

Climax: The climax is the turning point in a story where the tension peaks, leading to the resolution of the main conflict.

Denouement: Denouement refers to the final part of a narrative, following the resolution, where any remaining questions are answered and the story is brought to a close.

Conflict: Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative and creates tension, ultimately leading to the resolution.