Define Denouement In Literature: Definition, Uses, Examples

Denouement in literature is one of the literary devices that is crucial to the way a plot unfolds, or practically ends. Denouement examples.

Define Denouement In Literature 

Denouement is one of the literary devices that is very crucial to the way a plot unfolds, or practically ends. It's a resolution to the entire plot.

This article contains comprehensive information on denouement that helps on how to define of denouement, the uses of denouement in literature and some notable examples that can easily help you have a deep understanding on the literary device, Denouement.

Also Read: What Is Burlesque?

Denouement Definition 

The word denouement is derives from the French word called "Denoue". This French word means "to untie". This exact word, to untie, is a clue to what denouement is and how to define denouement.

Now, let's proceed to a more comprehensive definition of denouement.

Also Read: The Definition, Rules and Examples of Haiku

What Is Denouement?

Denouement is the resolution of the issue of  complicated plot in a work of fiction. It can also be defined as the conclusion after the climax of a narrative in which all the plot complexities are resolved.

It is very common in a traditionally structured plot for the denouement to lead to the exposition of several things in the work such as the revelation of the identity of the villian, unraveling of the mystery and all misunderstandings cleared. 

For such plots, such unraveling and revelation are often in the final part of chapter, mostly in an epilogue. For a work of tragedy, it is often called catastrophe. This is because denouement is a literary device that is driven by climax and it's possible it occurs simultaneously with climax.

Uses Of Denouement

Most of the uses of denouement mention below are reiteration of what has already been explained above.

The uses of denouement are;

1. Denouement is used to resolve a complex plot.
2. Denouement involves an explanation of all secrets, exposure of villian, clearing up of mistaken identities, family reunion etc.

Denouement Examples

Here is an example of denouement from the notable text of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

CAPULET:

“O brother Montague, give me thy hand.

This is my daughter’s jointure, for no more

Can I demand…”

MONTAGUE:

“But I can give thee more,

For I will raise her statue in pure gold,

That whiles Verona by that name is known…

As that of true and faithful Juliet…”

CAPULET:

“As rich shall Romeo’s by his lady’s lie,

Poor sacrifices of our enmity…”

PRINCE:

“A glooming peace this morning with it brings.

The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head…”

The denouement occurs in the play when the Capulets and Montagues conclude that the long term conflicts between them should be brought to end with the primary purpose of averting any other tragedy in the future. This was done following the death of their children.

 

Another example of denouement is from Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gabsy.

“‘They’re a rotten crowd,’ I shouted across the lawn. ‘You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together…'”

The denouement in this work is when Nick decided to go back to Minnesota in order to get away from all the rich people who are engaged in things in which he believes were immoral.

Conclusion

Denouement is quite useful due to its resolution and revelation power in respect to be plot.

 Hence, following the definition and the examples provided above, you should be able to have a grasp on how to define denouement is and how to use it perfectly in a work of fiction.