Resolution

Introduction

Resolution is a critical literary device used at the conclusion of a story, marking the point where all conflicts are resolved and the storylines are tied up. This device is pivotal in providing closure and satisfaction to the reader. It involves the unfolding and settling of the central conflict, along with secondary conflicts, leaving the reader with a sense of completion. In a well-crafted resolution, the author answers the main questions posed throughout the narrative and clarifies any ambiguities, allowing the story to come to a clear and final conclusion. The resolution not only wraps up the story but also offers the audience a chance to reflect on the journey and its implications.

Pronunciation:
/ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən/

When do writers use Resolution literary device?

Writers employ the resolution literary device primarily to bring a narrative to a satisfactory close. This part of the story, often following the climax, serves to resolve any remaining conflicts and explain the outcomes for the characters. The use of resolution is essential in most forms of storytelling, including novels, short stories, and films, where it assures the audience that the narrative has completed its arc. It is crucial in genres like mysteries or dramas, where the audience’s investment in the resolution is particularly intense. Writers might also use resolutions to set up a sequel, subtly leaving some threads to be explored in future works.

How should I use Resolution literary device?

When using the resolution literary device, here are some guidelines to ensure it effectively serves its purpose in your narrative:

1. Ensure Clarity: The resolution should clearly address and tie up all major storylines and conflicts introduced throughout the narrative. Avoid leaving crucial questions unanswered unless deliberately setting up a sequel.
2. Maintain Consistency: Keep the resolution consistent with the tone and style of the rest of the narrative. It should feel like a natural continuation of the story.
3. Reflect on the Journey: Use the resolution as an opportunity to reflect on the thematic elements and character development throughout the story. This reflection can enhance the emotional impact of the narrative.
4. Provide Satisfaction: Aim to leave the reader feeling satisfied and thoughtful. The resolution is your final engagement with the reader, so make it count by ensuring it resonates emotionally and intellectually.
5. Avoid Rushing: Give the resolution enough space to unfold. Rushing through the resolution can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied and diminish the impact of the overall narrative.

By following these rules, you can craft a resolution that not only concludes the story effectively but also enriches the reader’s overall experience.

Types of Resolution

Resolutions in literature can vary widely depending on the style, genre, and intentions of the author. Here are some common types of resolutions:

1. Happy Resolution: Often found in romance novels and comedies, a happy resolution sees all conflicts resolved favorably, with protagonists achieving their goals or desires.
2. Tragic Resolution: Typical of tragedies, this resolution involves characters failing to overcome their central conflict, often resulting in death or downfall, as a way to highlight the story’s moral or theme.
3. Ambiguous Resolution: Some stories conclude with an open or ambiguous ending where the fate of characters is left unclear. This type encourages readers to ponder the possible outcomes and their implications.
4. Tie-back Resolution: This type of resolution ties back to the story’s beginning or a significant moment, creating a full circle that enhances the thematic depth of the narrative.
5. Moral Resolution: Often used in fables and parables, this resolution clearly illustrates the moral or lesson of the story, usually through the outcomes of the characters’ decisions and actions.

Resolution in Literature

Some of the most famous examples of resolution in literature include:

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: The novel concludes with the marriages of Elizabeth Bennet to Mr. Darcy and Jane Bennet to Mr. Bingley, resolving their romantic conflicts and misunderstandings.
2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The resolution comes after the climax of the trial, where Scout Finch comes to understand the complexities of human nature and morality.
3. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by J.K. Rowling: The series concludes with the Battle of Hogwarts, followed by an epilogue that shows the main characters as adults, providing closure to their long journey.
4. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The tragic resolution sees Gatsby’s dreams of love with Daisy unfulfilled, leading to his untimely death and reflecting the novel’s themes of ambition, love, and disillusionment.

Resolution in Children’s Books

In children’s literature, resolution often provides a comforting conclusion, ensuring that young readers are left with a sense of security and satisfaction. Famous examples include:

1. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: The resolution sees the death of Charlotte, the spider, but her legacy continues through her children and the changed life of Wilbur, the pig.
2. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak: Max returns home from his adventure to find his supper waiting for him, signaling his emotional resolution and return to safety.
3. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle: The caterpillar’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly provides a visually and thematically satisfying conclusion to the story of growth and change.

Resolution in Poetry

Resolution in poetry can serve to underscore the poem’s themes or emotional trajectory. Some notable examples include:

1. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: The poem resolves with a passionate plea for resistance against death, reflecting the struggle throughout the poem.
2. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: The resolution comes in the final stanza, where the speaker reflects on how choosing a less traveled path has made all the difference, emphasizing the poem’s theme of individual choice and its consequences.
3. “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: The poem concludes with a call for personal and social renewal, reflecting the transformative power of the West Wind and the poet’s desire for change.

Each type of resolution plays a crucial role in rounding out the narrative or poetic structure, providing depth and closure to the story or theme.

Resolution in Songs

Here are ten famous songs that feature a notable resolution in their lyrics, often resolving emotional, relational, or narrative tensions:

1. “Let it Be” by The Beatles: The song resolves with the comforting refrain “Let it be,” suggesting acceptance and peace amidst trouble.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen: The operatic saga concludes with a resolution of sorts, as the narrator resigns himself to his fate, singing, “Nothing really matters.”
3. “Someone Like You” by Adele: The resolution comes as Adele accepts the end of a relationship, wishing her former lover well with his new life.
4. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley: This song resolves the narrative of hardship with reassurances and reminiscences of better times.
5. “Hotel California” by The Eagles: The song features a haunting resolution, with the narrator realizing he can “never leave” the hotel.
6. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem: The resolution in this song is a call to seize the moment and not let opportunities slip away, encapsulated in the line, “You better lose yourself in the music.”
7. “Firework” by Katy Perry: The song resolves with a motivational boost, encouraging listeners to show their true colors like a firework.
8. “Fix You” by Coldplay: It resolves with an uplifting message of support and healing.
9. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele: The song concludes with a powerful resolution of moving past betrayal, highlighted by the deep emotional delivery of the consequences.
10. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin: The epic track resolves with a final ascension to a new spiritual realization, reflected in the mystical lyrics and soaring melody.

Resolution in Movies

Famous resolutions in movies often provide closure to the story’s conflicts and character development:

1. “The Godfather” (1972): The film resolves with Michael Corleone taking over as the head of the mafia family, signaling his complete transformation and the resolution of his internal and external conflicts.
2. “Casablanca” (1942): The resolution sees Rick sacrificing his love for Ilsa for a greater good, reflecting the themes of love, sacrifice, and duty.
3. “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983): The saga concludes with the defeat of the Emperor, redemption of Darth Vader, and the restoration of balance to the Force.
4. “Forrest Gump” (1994): The movie resolves with Forrest meeting his son and contemplating his life’s journey, providing a satisfying conclusion to his adventures.
5. “Titanic” (1997): The film resolves the romantic and tragic story of Jack and Rose with Rose’s survival and later life, reflecting back on her experiences on the Titanic.
6. “Shawshank Redemption” (1994): The resolution comes as Andy Dufresne escapes from prison and is later joined by his friend Red, culminating in a poignant conclusion about hope and freedom.
7. “The Dark Knight” (2008): The resolution sees Batman taking the blame for Harvey Dent’s crimes to preserve the attorney’s reputation as a symbol of hope.
8. “Gone with the Wind” (1939): Scarlett O’Hara resolves to find a way to win back Rhett Butler, ending with her determined line, “Tomorrow is another day.”
9. “Avengers: Endgame” (2019): The film concludes with the resolution of a decade-long saga, where the heroes finally defeat Thanos and restore the universe, at great personal cost.
10. “Inception” (2010): The resolution remains ambiguous as the film ends with the spinning top, leaving it up to the audience to decide if Cobb is dreaming or not.

A Famous Movie Line Highlighting Resolution

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” – “Gone with the Wind” (1939)

This line from Rhett Butler to Scarlett O’Hara marks a definitive resolution in their tumultuous relationship, as Rhett finally decides to walk away from Scarlett’s manipulations.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Resolution

Watch the Resolution Scene from “Casablanca”

This clip showcases the iconic airport farewell scene where Rick makes the selfless decision to let Ilsa leave with Laszlo, providing a powerful resolution to their love story.

Resolution in Advertising

In advertising, resolution often comes in the form of solving a problem introduced at the start of the commercial. Here are some famous examples:

1. Coca-Cola: “Share a Coke” campaign resolves social barriers by encouraging people to share a Coke with someone’s name on the label.
2. Nike: Commercials typically resolve with an empowering solution, motivating viewers to overcome their athletic challenges and “Just Do It.”
3. Apple: iPhone ads often resolve with the demonstration of the product’s unique features solving user problems, such as camera capabilities or durability.
4. Dove: “Real Beauty Sketches” campaign resolves by showing women they are more beautiful than they think, changing perceptions through an emotional reveal.
5. Old Spice: Commercials resolve with humor and absurdity, presenting the Old Spice product as the ultimate solution to becoming the “man your man could smell like.”

Resolution Related Literary Devices

Resolution is often interlinked with several other literary devices to enhance narrative structure and thematic delivery:

1. Denouement: Follows the climax and includes the resolution; it’s where the remaining plot points are explained or untangled.
2. Catharsis: In drama, the resolution might lead to catharsis, a moment where characters and, vicariously, the audience, experience relief from emotional or other tensions.
3. Deus Ex Machina: Sometimes used in resolutions, this device involves an unexpected, improbable, or overly convenient character or event to resolve the conflict.
4. Epilogue: An additional section at the end of a narrative that provides further insight or closure to the story, sometimes used to extend the resolution.

These devices help shape a satisfying resolution by providing clarity, emotional impact, and a sense of completeness to the narrative.