denouement
English meaning: Dénouement
English Definition
(English)The dénouement is the part of a narrative that follows the climax and resolves the story's complications. A satisfying dénouement answers the questions the narrative raised — who survives, who is punished, what is discovered, how characters are changed. In tragedy, the dénouement often involves deaths or downfall; in comedy, reconciliations and marriages.
English Definition
The final resolution or unravelling of a plot, coming after the climax, in which the consequences of the central conflict are settled and loose ends tied up. From French dénouer — to untie.
Example
“The dénouement of 'Pride and Prejudice' neatly resolves all romantic threads — Elizabeth and Darcy's union, Jane and Bingley's happiness, and Lydia's scandalous situation.”
In English: “Austen's dénouement resolves all romantic and social tensions introduced across the novel.”
Synonyms
- resolution
- conclusion
- unravelling
Antonyms / Opposites
- exposition
- inciting incident
- climax
Literary Heritage
“Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down.”
“Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B