Denouement: meaning, definitions and examples

📖
Add to dictionary

denouement

 

[ deɪˈnuːmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary term

Denouement is a term used in literary analysis to refer to the final resolution or outcome of a story. In this phase, the plot strands are drawn together and matters are resolved after the climax. The denouement follows the climax and provides closure to the narrative, allowing readers to see the consequences of the events that unfolded. It brings clarity to the story's thematic elements and may offer insight into the characters' futures. This stage is crucial in ensuring that the audience understands and appreciates the overall message of the work.

Synonyms

closure, conclusion, finale, outcome, resolution

Examples of usage

  • The denouement revealed the fate of all characters.
  • In the denouement, the mystery was finally solved.
  • The film's denouement left viewers feeling satisfied.
  • The denouement tied together all loose ends.

Translations

Translations of the word "denouement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfecho

🇮🇳 समापन

🇩🇪 Auflösung

🇮🇩 penyelesaian

🇺🇦 розв'язка

🇵🇱 rozwiązanie

🇯🇵 結末

🇫🇷 dénouement

🇪🇸 desenlace

🇹🇷 çözüm

🇰🇷 결말

🇸🇦 حل

🇨🇿 rozuzlení

🇸🇰 rozuzlenie

🇨🇳 结局

🇸🇮 razplet

🇮🇸 lausn

🇰🇿 шешім

🇬🇪 შედეგი

🇦🇿 nəticə

🇲🇽 desenlace

Etymology

The word 'denouement' comes from the French term 'dénouement', which literally translates to 'the unraveling' or 'the untying'. This term is derived from the verb 'dénouer', meaning 'to untie' or 'to resolve', which itself is a combination of the prefix 'dé-', indicating reversal, and 'nouer', meaning 'to tie'. The usage of 'denouement' in English literature began in the 19th century, reflecting its roots in the dramatic and narrative forms of storytelling. The term emphasizes the process of concluding a plot by resolving conflicts and clarifying complexities, thus enhancing the audience's understanding of the narrative's final implications. Over time, 'denouement' has come to describe not just literature, but also films and theater, demonstrating its significance in various forms of storytelling.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,981, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.