Question

How might a writer best provide a conclusion that effectively ends a story?
Responses

by helping the reader make connections with other texts
by helping the reader make connections with other texts - no response given

by making sure all loose ends are tied up
by making sure all loose ends are tied up - no response given

by showing how the theme and plot are related
by showing how the theme and plot are related - no response given

by introducing new characters
by introducing new characters - no response given

Answer 1

Best: make sure major loose ends are tied up and the story’s events illuminate the theme — i.e., resolve the plot’s conflicts and show how those resolutions reflect the story’s larger meaning.

Avoid introducing new characters at the end (that creates more loose ends). Making connections to other texts can be useful but isn’t a substitute for closure.