Resolution in Literature

Resolution in Literature: Introduction

The concept of resolution in literature serves as the culminating phase of a narrative, embodying the denouement where conflicts find closure and thematic threads converge. It encapsulates the aftermath of a story’s climax, providing answers to lingering questions and offering a sense of finality to the reader.

This pivotal stage allows for the unraveling of intricate plotlines and the resolution of characters’ destinies, imbuing the narrative with a sense of coherence and completeness. Beyond mere structural closure, resolution in literature often mirrors the broader complexities of human experience, addressing moral dilemmas, personal growth, and the consequences of characters’ choices. As a literary device, resolution lends depth to storytelling by not only tying up loose ends but also inviting reflection on the profound implications of the narrative journey.

Resolution in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

Play	Example of Resolution	Explanation
Romeo and Juliet	Resolution Example: The reconciliation of the feuding families after the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet.	Explanation: The play concludes with the resolution of the longstanding feud between the Montagues and Capulets, underscoring the tragic cost of the conflict and fostering peace.
Hamlet	Resolution Example: Hamlet’s death and the ascension of Fortinbras to the throne of Denmark.	Explanation: Hamlet’s demise and Fortinbras’s rise to power mark the resolution of political turmoil, bringing closure to the play’s complex web of revenge and political intrigue.
Macbeth	Resolution Example: Macduff’s triumph over Macbeth, restoring order to Scotland.	Explanation: The resolution involves the defeat of the tyrannical Macbeth by the noble Macduff, restoring political stability and justice to a Scotland plagued by ambition and treachery.
Othello	Resolution Example: Othello’s self-inflicted death and the exposure of Iago’s deceit.	Explanation: The resolution involves the tragic demise of Othello and the revelation of Iago’s manipulation, serving as a moral reckoning and exposing the destructive power of jealousy.
The Tempest	Resolution Example: Prospero’s forgiveness and reconciliation with his enemies, leading to a harmonious conclusion.	Explanation: The resolution involves Prospero’s decision to forgive and reconcile with those who wronged him, fostering forgiveness, redemption, and the restoration of order on the island.

These examples from Shakespeare’s plays showcase diverse forms of resolution, ranging from tragic conclusions to reconciliations and the restoration of order. Shakespeare masterfully employs resolution to conclude complex narratives and impart profound insights into human nature.

Resolution in Literature: Examples

1. Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
   • Resolution Example: The trial of Tom Robinson concludes with an unjust verdict, but the realization of racial injustice leads to Scout’s understanding and empathy.
   • Explanation: The resolution involves a moral reckoning, with Scout gaining insight into the complexities of human nature and the pervasive racial prejudice in her community.
2. Short Story: “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
   • Resolution Example: The townspeople stone Tessie Hutchinson to death as part of the ritualistic lottery, and life in the village continues as usual.
   • Explanation: The resolution is shocking and serves as a commentary on blind adherence to tradition, leaving readers to grapple with the unsettling implications of societal conformity.
3. Novel: 1984 by George Orwell
   • Resolution Example: Winston Smith’s rebellion against the oppressive regime culminates in his psychological defeat and acceptance of the Party’s control.
   • Explanation: The resolution is bleak, emphasizing the unyielding power of authoritarianism and the triumph of conformity over individual resistance.
4. Short Story: “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
   • Resolution Example: Jim and Della, a financially struggling couple, sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, realizing the true meaning of love and selflessness.
   • Explanation: The resolution is heartwarming, highlighting the transformative power of self-sacrifice and the deeper value of human connections.
5. Novel: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
   • Resolution Example: Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy results in tragedy as he is killed, and Daisy and Tom continue their lives without consequence.
   • Explanation: The resolution is tragic, emphasizing the emptiness of the American Dream and the destructive consequences of unattainable aspirations.

These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which resolution functions in literature, shaping the outcome of narratives and leaving lasting impressions on readers.

Resolution in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Feminist Literary Theory:
   • Resolution can reflect the empowerment or subjugation of female characters, providing insights into gender dynamics and societal expectations.
2. Marxist Literary Theory:
   • The resolution may reveal class struggles, illustrating how social structures impact characters’ fates and highlighting economic disparities.
3. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory:
   • Resolution often serves as a culmination of characters’ psychological journeys, reflecting the resolution of internal conflicts or the manifestation of repressed desires.
4. Postcolonial Literary Theory:
   • The resolution can address the consequences of colonization, revealing the impact on identities, cultures, and power structures.
5. Structuralist Literary Theory:
   • Resolution contributes to the overall structure of a narrative, showcasing how elements interconnect and providing closure to established patterns.
6. Reader-Response Literary Theory:
   • Readers actively engage with the resolution, interpreting its meaning and reflecting on how their responses shape the overall understanding of the text.
7. Deconstructionist Literary Theory:
   • The resolution may be deconstructed, challenging binary oppositions and conventional narrative structures, emphasizing the instability of meaning.
8. Cultural Studies Literary Theory:
   • Resolution can be analyzed in the context of cultural norms and values, shedding light on how literature reflects and shapes societal ideologies.
9. Postmodern Literary Theory:
   • The resolution may subvert traditional narrative expectations, embracing ambiguity, and challenging linear storytelling conventions.
10. Ecocritical Literary Theory:
    • Resolution may address environmental themes, reflecting humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of ecological decisions.

In each literary theory, the concept of resolution is a lens through which critics can analyze how narratives conclude, addressing thematic, cultural, and societal implications within the broader theoretical frameworks.

Resolution in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Denouement	Final resolution of a narrative, tying up loose ends.
Closure	Sense of completeness and finality in a story.
Climax	Highest point of tension preceding resolution.
Epilogue	Concluding section providing insights post-resolution.
Catharsis	Emotional release experienced by the audience.
Ambiguity	Deliberate use of unclear elements, allowing multiple interpretations.
Redemption	Positive transformation or moral recovery in the resolution.
Reconciliation	Restoration of harmony, often depicting characters mending conflicts.
Retribution	Dispensation of justice or consequences in the resolution.
Foreshadowing	Clues or hints anticipating events in the resolution.

Resolution in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin, 2003.
2. Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Brian Gibbons, Oxford UP, 2000.
3. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Oxford UP, 2008.
4. Hugo, Victor. Les Misérables. Signet Classics, 2013.
5. Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest. Dover Publications, 1990.
6. Joyce, James. Dubliners. Dover Publications, 1991.
7. Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Translated by David Mulroy, Wisconsin UP, 2011.
8. Vonnegut, Kurt. Breakfast of Champions. Dial Press Trade Paperback, 1999.
9. King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Scribner, 2000.
10. Laurie, Hugh. The Gun Seller. Vintage, 1998.