Embedded Files
Denouement
UK /deɪˈnuː.mɒ̃/ US /deɪˈnuː.mɑ̃ː/
Two brief definitions of denouement according to Cambridge Dictionaries:
“the end of a story, in which everything is explained, or the end result of a situation”
“the final part of a work of literature, after the climax (= the most important or exciting part)”
(“denouement”)
There is a more detailed definition according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica:
“Denouement, (French: “unknotting”) conclusion after the climax of a narrative in which the complexities of the plot are unravelled and the conflict is finally resolved. In the denouement of a traditionally structured plot, the villain may be exposed, the mystery explained, misunderstandings clarified, or lovers reunited. In a tragedy, the conclusion is often called the catastrophe.”
(“denouement narrative”)
Here are some examples of denouement in literature:
“In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, the denouement appears as the declaration of peace between the Montagues and Capulets, which resolves the conflict that resulted in the lovers’ climactic double suicide.
In Toni Morrison’s Beloved, the denouement comes in the novel’s final pages. After a climactic encounter with townsfolk, overarching conflicts—between Beloved and her mother, Sethe, and the other members of 124—have careened towards their resolution as Beloved disappears as suddenly as she had arrived. Yet it isn’t until the novel’s denouncement, when Sethe comes to understand her own self-worth, that she can come to peace with Beloved’s departure and memory.
In JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, the denouement comes at the end of the story when Holden resolves to go home to face his parents.
(“Examples of Denouement in Literature”)
(“Examples of Denouement in Literature”)
The denouement is of great importance because it is an essential part of a story and should be written well. If not, it will leave the readers feeling unsatisfied or unhappy.
Works cited:
“denouement”, Cambridge Dictionary, 21 Oct. 2023, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/denouement
“denouement narrative”, Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 21 Oct. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/art/denouement
“Examples of Denouement in Literature”, MasterClass.net, 21 Oct. 2023,
Author of the page: Kristýna Drasalová
Page updated
Report abuse