Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'denouement'

English Word: denouement

Key Russian Translations:

• развязка /rəzˈvʲazkə/ - [Formal, Literary Context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with literary terms and basic Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

развязка: /rəzˈvʲazkə/

Note on развязка: The stress is on the second syllable ("vʲaz"). Pay attention to the palatalized 'z' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur based on regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The resolution or final outcome of a plot in literature or drama

Translation(s) & Context:

• развязка - Used in formal literary analysis to describe the point where conflicts are resolved, often in novels or plays. Context: Academic writing or discussions about storytelling.

Usage Examples:

• В романе Толстого развязка наступает в финальной главе, где все тайны раскрываются.

  In Tolstoy's novel, the denouement occurs in the final chapter, where all secrets are revealed.

• Фильм заканчивается неожиданной развязкой, которая переворачивает весь сюжет.

  The film ends with an unexpected denouement that overturns the entire plot.

• Без хорошей развязки история кажется неполной и разочаровывающей.

  Without a good denouement, the story feels incomplete and disappointing.

• В театральной пьесе развязка часто включает эмоциональное примирение героев.

  In a theatrical play, the denouement often involves an emotional reconciliation of the characters.

• Критики хвалят автора за мастерскую развязку, которая оставляет зрителя в раздумьях.

  Critics praise the author for the masterful denouement that leaves the audience in contemplation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Развязка" is a feminine noun in the second declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • финал (final) - Often used interchangeably but implies a more conclusive end.
  • кульминация (climax) - Similar but can refer to the peak rather than the resolution.
• Antonyms:
  • вступление (introduction) - Refers to the beginning of a story.
  • экспозиция (exposition) - The setup or background information.

Related Phrases:

• Драматическая развязка - A dramatic denouement; used in contexts involving intense plot twists.
• Неожиданная развязка - An unexpected denouement; common in mystery genres to describe surprising endings.
• Литературная развязка - A literary denouement; refers to resolutions in written works, with a focus on narrative closure.

Usage Notes:

"Развязка" directly corresponds to the English "denouement" in literary contexts, emphasizing the unraveling of plot elements. It is typically used in formal or academic settings rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "финал," opt for "развязка" if the focus is on emotional or narrative resolution. Be mindful of Russian sentence structure, where it often appears in the nominative case as the subject of a sentence.

• Always pair it with adjectives for nuance, e.g., "драматическая развязка" for added emphasis.
• In spoken Russian, it may be less common; prefer it in writing or discussions about arts.

Common Errors:

One common mistake is confusing "развязка" with "кульминация," where learners might use "развязка" to mean the story's peak instead of its resolution. For example:

• Incorrect: "Кульминация - это развязка сюжета." (This incorrectly equates climax with denouement.)
• Correct: "Развязка следует за кульминацией, разрешая конфликт." (The denouement follows the climax, resolving the conflict.)
• Explanation: "Кульминация" is the high point, while "развязка" is the aftermath. To avoid this, remember the sequence in storytelling.

Another error is improper inflection; for instance, using the wrong case in a sentence like "О фильме" (About the film) instead of "О развязке фильма."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "развязка" holds significant importance in literature, as seen in classic works by authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. It often symbolizes moral resolution or philosophical insight, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of introspective storytelling. Understanding this term can enhance appreciation for how Russian narratives emphasize emotional catharsis over simple plot closure.

Related Concepts:

• сюжет (plot)
• конфликт (conflict)
• экспозиция (exposition)