Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the part of a narrative where the main conflict is resolved, and the story comes to a close. In detective fiction, particularly in the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, resolution is crucial as it ties together the clues and leads presented throughout the plot, providing clarity and closure. This moment often reveals the identity of the culprit and explains how justice is served, embodying the genre's emphasis on logical reasoning and deduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Doyle's stories, the resolution typically involves Sherlock Holmes revealing the solution to the case in a clear and logical manner.
2. The resolution often includes a confrontation between Holmes and the criminal, showcasing Holmes' superior intellect and deductive skills.
3. The clarity provided in the resolution is essential for satisfying readers who enjoy piecing together clues throughout the story.
4. Doyle frequently uses an epilogue or additional scene after the main resolution to provide further insights or wrap up any loose ends.
5. The resolutions in Doyle's works often reflect broader themes of justice and morality, reinforcing societal values through the triumph of good over evil.

Review Questions

• How does the resolution in Doyle's detective stories enhance the overall reading experience?
  • The resolution enhances the reading experience by providing a satisfying conclusion that ties together all plot elements and clues. Readers find gratification in seeing how Holmes logically deduces the truth from seemingly disparate pieces of evidence. This closure not only resolves the central mystery but also reaffirms readers' engagement with the genre's themes of justice and rationality.
• Compare and contrast how resolution is presented in Doyle's detective fiction with other literary genres.
  • In Doyle's detective fiction, resolution is typically clear-cut, offering logical explanations and tying up all narrative threads. In contrast, other genres, like literary fiction or modernist works, may leave resolutions ambiguous or open-ended, inviting deeper reflection from readers. This difference highlights how detective fiction prioritizes clarity and closure as a means to satisfy audience expectations for solving mysteries.
• Evaluate how resolution in Doyle's work reflects societal values and expectations during his time.
  • Resolution in Doyle's work reflects Victorian societal values by emphasizing logic, order, and moral justice. The clear resolution serves as a reinforcement of faith in reason and deduction, traits highly valued during this period. By showcasing Holmes as a figure who restores balance by solving crimes, Doyle aligns with contemporary beliefs about lawfulness and ethics, providing readers with assurance that justice will ultimately prevail against wrongdoing.

Related terms

Denouement: The final part of a story where the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are resolved, often following the climax.

Clue: A piece of evidence or information that helps to solve a mystery or crime, playing a pivotal role in leading to the resolution.

Red Herring: A misleading clue or distraction in a narrative that diverts attention away from the real issue or culprit, often used to create suspense.