Conclu

Conclu is a term that appears in some speculative literary criticism to denote the concluding segment of a narrative, focusing on how remaining plot threads are resolved and how thematic concerns are synthesized. Used as a lens for evaluating endings, Conclu aims to capture the sense of closure that a work provides to characters and ideas.

Etymology and scope: Conclu can be seen as a neologism built from con- and the Latin root related to closing or enclosing. In practice, it is applied across media, including novels, films, television, and interactive narratives, with attention to how ending moments influence overall coherence, emotion, and perceived payoff.

Distinctions: The term is often contrasted with denouement and epilogue. Denouement typically refers to the unraveling of plot events after the climax, while an epilogue offers postscript information. Conclu, by contrast, centers on the integrated closure of both plot and thematic arcs within the final portions of a work, emphasizing how ending elements cohere with the work’s stated concerns.

Reception and usage: Conclu remains a niche or experimental term and is not widely adopted in formal literary canons. Proponents argue that it highlights the collective effects of ending choices on audience experience, while critics caution that it can overgeneralize or blur distinct narrative functions.

See also: Denouement, Epilogue, Closure.