Resolution

Definition

Resolution refers to the part of a narrative where the conflicts are resolved, and the story comes to a conclusion. This is a crucial element in storytelling as it provides closure for the characters and the audience, wrapping up the plotlines that have been developed throughout the story. It often reflects the themes of the narrative and can significantly impact how audiences perceive the characters' journeys and the overall message of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In classical Hollywood narratives, resolution typically follows a clear structure, often leading to a satisfying conclusion that addresses major conflicts.
2. Resolutions can vary widely in tone; they can be happy, tragic, or ambiguous, but they usually reflect the narrative's overall themes.
3. A strong resolution often ties up loose ends from the story, providing clarity and understanding for the audience regarding character motivations and outcomes.
4. In many narratives, especially in romantic genres, resolution often includes a reunion or reconciliation between key characters.
5. The resolution is critical in shaping audience emotions, as it provides closure and allows viewers to reflect on the journey taken by the characters.

Review Questions

• How does resolution function in classical Hollywood narratives to provide closure for characters and audiences?
  • Resolution in classical Hollywood narratives serves as a vital mechanism for providing closure by resolving conflicts that have been established throughout the story. It allows characters to achieve their goals or face consequences, giving audiences a sense of completion. This closure reinforces the emotional journey experienced by viewers and ties together thematic elements presented earlier in the narrative.
• Discuss how different types of resolutions can affect audience interpretation of a story’s themes.
  • Different types of resolutions can greatly influence how audiences interpret a story’s themes by either reinforcing or challenging expectations. For example, a happy resolution may emphasize themes of love and perseverance, while an ambiguous or tragic ending might provoke thoughts about loss and existential questions. These varying resolutions prompt audiences to reflect on not only what happened but also why it matters within the larger context of the narrative.
• Evaluate how resolutions contribute to character development within classical Hollywood narratives and their significance in storytelling.
  • Resolutions play a critical role in character development within classical Hollywood narratives by showcasing how characters have changed throughout their journeys. The choices they make during the resolution often reveal deeper insights into their personalities and growth. Evaluating these changes allows audiences to understand character arcs more fully and appreciate the complexity of human experiences presented in storytelling, emphasizing that resolutions are not merely endings but reflections of the journeys undertaken.

Related terms

Climax: The point of highest tension in a story, where the main conflict reaches its peak and leads to the resolution.

Denouement: The final part of a narrative where any remaining issues are resolved and the story concludes.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, which drives the plot and leads to resolution.