CultureAugust 29, 2026

denouements

day-noo-MAH (plural: day-noo-MAHZ)

Definition

The final part of a play, film, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.

Etymology

Derived from the French word 'dénouement,' which literally means 'an untying' or 'unknitting,' stemming from the verb 'dénouer.' It entered the English language in the mid-18th century to describe the resolution of a complex plot.

In the news

The author notes that she returns to Christie's famous novels specifically for their 'dazzling denouements,' highlighting the satisfying way these mysteries conclude.

From 'Crooked House' to 'Endless Night', atmospheric Agatha Christie novels that deserve a second read

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