Bookending Meaning: Definition and Examples
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bookending
[ˈbʊkˌɛndɪŋ ]
Definition
literary device
Bookending refers to a technique in literature or storytelling where elements at the beginning and end of a narrative mirror or reflect each other. This method provides structure and symmetry to the work, often reinforcing its themes or messages. Authors use bookending to create cohesion and a sense of completion. It encourages the audience to consider the journey of the characters from the start to the conclusion.
Synonyms
enclosing, framing, surrounding.
Examples of usage
- The novel effectively bookends the story with the same setting.
- The film's ending mirrors its beginning beautifully.
- They used bookending to highlight the main character's growth.
- The teacher explained how bookending enhances narrative impact.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Authors often use bookending to create a sense of closure or completeness, like returning to the same scene at the end and reflecting on changes.
- Famous novels, like 'The Great Gatsby', employ bookending by bookending chapters with similar themes to enhance the story's impact.
Psychology
- The bookending technique is studied in psychology as a memory aid; it helps people remember the information by linking it together.
- Beginning and ending an experience positively can significantly influence overall satisfaction in activities, known as the 'peak-end rule'.
Film and Television
- Directors often use bookending in films by mirroring scenes at the beginning and end to emphasize character development.
- Popular TV shows like 'Friends' often use bookends by relating back to the first episode in the final episode, creating a full-circle effect.
Education
- Educators often bookend lessons with an introduction and conclusion to frame the content clearly for students.
- Using bookending in presentations can help retain audience attention and reinforce the main message.
Origin of 'bookending'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the physical objects called 'bookends' that hold books in place on a shelf, representing support.
- The idea of 'bookending' in writing emerged in the late 20th century as a storytelling technique.
The term 'bookending' originates from the concept of creating a 'bookend' effect, where two elements serve to stabilize or give meaning to a narrative. The use of bookends aligns with the literal objects used to hold books upright on a shelf, emphasizing the idea of boundaries or limits within a story. It is often employed in literature, film, and other storytelling formats to create a resonance between the beginning and ending. The term gained popularity in literary criticism and media analysis in the late 20th century as writers began to explore thematic elements more deeply. Its application can be found in various forms of literature, highlighting the enduring nature of this narrative technique.