Final answer:
True, denouement and catastrophe are not the same; denouement refers to the resolution of a narrative, while catastrophe indicates the tragic end, often in a Shakespearean or classical tragedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that denouement and catastrophe do not refer to the same thing in the context of literature, particularly in tragedy. The denouement is a literary term referring to the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and conflicts are resolved. On the other hand, a catastrophe is the final resolution or outcome of the plot in a tragedy, typically involving the downfall or death of the protagonist.
Aristotle's analysis suggests that a well-constructed plot in a tragedy should have a beginning, middle, and end, corresponding to the setup (Complication), climax, and resolution (Unravelling or Denouement). However, the catastrophe is a specific element within this structure that usually signifies the tragic end or downfall, distinct from the wrapping up of narrative threads. Therefore, while both terms are related to the end of a tragedy, they highlight different aspects of the conclusion.