Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the part of a story where the conflict is resolved and the plot comes to a close, providing a sense of closure for the audience. It typically occurs after the climax and is crucial for bringing together various narrative threads, allowing characters to confront their challenges and experience growth. This element is essential in establishing the emotional impact and thematic resolution of the play.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The resolution usually includes key events that reveal the outcomes for main characters, answering questions raised during the conflict.
2. A well-crafted resolution can provide emotional satisfaction, allowing audiences to reflect on themes and character journeys.
3. In some stories, resolutions can be ambiguous, leaving audiences with unresolved issues to ponder and discuss.
4. The effectiveness of a resolution often depends on how well it ties back to earlier plot points and character development.
5. Different genres may approach resolution differently; for example, tragedies often have a more somber or fatalistic resolution compared to comedies which tend to be more uplifting.

Review Questions

• How does the resolution contribute to the overall emotional impact of a narrative?
  • The resolution contributes significantly to the emotional impact of a narrative by providing closure and tying up loose ends. It allows audiences to see how characters have changed or what they have learned through their experiences. A strong resolution can evoke feelings of satisfaction or reflection, depending on how effectively it connects back to earlier conflicts and themes established throughout the story.
• Compare and contrast resolutions in different genres and their effect on audience expectations.
  • Resolutions in different genres serve various purposes and influence audience expectations in unique ways. In comedies, resolutions often provide joyful conclusions and wrap up misunderstandings, fulfilling audience desires for happiness. Conversely, tragedies typically lead to more somber endings that reflect on human suffering and moral lessons. By contrasting these resolutions, we see how they shape our viewing experience and emotional responses, reinforcing genre conventions.
• Evaluate how effective resolutions can enhance thematic messages within a play.
  • Effective resolutions enhance thematic messages within a play by illustrating the consequences of characters' choices and actions throughout the narrative. When resolutions clearly connect with established themes—such as love, sacrifice, or redemption—they deepen the audience's understanding of these ideas. Analyzing resolutions allows us to see how playwrights intend for themes to resonate, creating lasting impressions that provoke thought long after the performance ends.

Related terms

Climax: The climax is the turning point in a narrative where the main conflict reaches its highest intensity, leading to the resolution.

Denouement: Denouement is the final part of a narrative where loose ends are tied up, often overlapping with the resolution as it provides additional context after the conflict has been resolved.

Conflict: Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, which drives the plot and ultimately leads to the resolution.