Assumption: A Literary Device

Etymology of Assumption

The term “assumption” derives from the Latin word “assumptio,” which itself is a form of the verb “assumere.” In Latin, “ad” means “to” or “towards,” and “sumere” means “to take” or “to seize.” Therefore, “assumptio” carries the fundamental meaning of “a taking or receiving.”

With time, the term evolved and was adopted into Middle English as “assumpcioun,” maintaining its basic sense of receiving or taking something as true or valid. In modern English, “assumption” refers to the act of taking something for granted or accepting it as true without necessarily having concrete evidence, often serving as a foundational belief or premise in various contexts, including philosophy, logic, and everyday discourse.

Meanings of Assumption

Aspect	Meaning
Presumption	Belief or conclusion made without complete evidence or proof, often based on prior knowledge or limited information.
Taking for Granted	Accepting something as true without questioning or verifying it, often due to perceived reliability or habitual acceptance.
Postulate	Foundational principles or starting points for reasoning and argumentation, especially in mathematics and philosophy.
Hypothesis	Initial supposition or educated guess in scientific research that forms the basis for further investigation and experimentation.
Preconceived Notions	Pre-existing ideas, biases, or expectations influencing how individuals perceive and interpret information or situations.
Expectation	Anticipations or predictions about future events or outcomes based on existing knowledge or patterns.
Dogma	Fundamental belief or doctrine accepted as true without question, often in religious or ideological contexts.
Axiom	Self-evident truths or premises upon which logical arguments and systems are built, particularly in formal logic and mathematics.
Concealed Beliefs	Underlying beliefs or convictions not explicitly stated but influencing one’s actions and decisions.
Uncritical Acceptance	Accepting information or ideas without critical analysis or evaluation.

Definition of Literary Device of Assumption

The literary device of “assumption” involves the author or a character in a narrative making a belief or conclusion without explicit evidence, often relying on prior knowledge or limited information.

This device can be used to create tension, develop character traits, or challenge readers’ expectations. Assumptions in literature may serve as narrative tools for driving plot developments, revealing biases, or exploring the theme of human fallibility.

Common Examples of Assumptions

1. Stereotypes: Assuming that individuals of a particular group share certain characteristics or behaviors based on their race, gender, or other attributes.
2. First Impressions: Forming judgments about people or situations upon initial encounters, often without knowing all the facts.
3. Cultural Assumptions: Believing that certain customs, traditions, or behaviors are universal when they are specific to a particular culture.
4. Historical Assumptions: Accepting historical accounts or narratives as factual without critical examination.
5. Language Assumptions: Assuming that words or phrases mean the same thing to everyone, neglecting potential variations in interpretation.
6. Social Norms: Believing that what is considered “normal” in one’s society is universally applicable and disregarding cultural differences.
7. Personal Biases: Letting personal beliefs or prejudices influence judgments or decisions without objective evaluation.
8. Scientific Assumptions: In scientific research, accepting certain principles or hypotheses as true without direct evidence.
9. Relationship Assumptions: Expecting individuals in a relationship to fulfill specific roles or behave in certain ways based on gender or societal expectations.
10. Psychological Assumptions: Projecting one’s emotions, thoughts, or motives onto others without adequate understanding of their mental states.

Shakespearean Assumptions

1. Mistaken Identity Assumption:
   • Example: In “Twelfth Night,” Viola disguises herself as a man, Cesario. Other characters assume Cesario’s gender, leading to misunderstandings and humorous situations.
2. Motivation Assumption:
   • Example: In “Othello,” Othello assumes that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful to him based on the deceptive information provided by Iago.
3. Deceptive Appearance Assumption:
   • Example: In “Macbeth,” Lady Macbeth initially appears strong and ruthless, but the assumption of her emotional resilience is shattered as the play progresses.
4. Disguise Assumption:
   • Example: In “As You Like It,” Rosalind assumes the disguise of a young man named Ganymede, leading other characters to make assumptions about her true identity and feelings.
5. Class and Social Status Assumption:
   • Example: In “Romeo and Juliet,” the feud between the Montagues and Capulets leads to assumptions about the incompatibility of Romeo and Juliet’s love due to their families’ social status.
6. Death Assumption:
   • Example: In “Hamlet,” the assumption of King Hamlet’s death and the speedy remarriage of Queen Gertrude to Claudius drive the plot’s central conflict.
7. Betrayal Assumption:
   • Example: In “Julius Caesar,” the conspirators assume that Brutus is on their side, while he ultimately betrays Caesar in the name of Rome’s well-being.
8. Loyalty Assumption:
   • Example: In “King Lear,” King Lear wrongly assumes that his daughters Goneril and Regan will take care of him in his old age, leading to his mistreatment and eventual downfall.
9. Intent Assumption:
   • Example: In “Much Ado About Nothing,” Claudio mistakenly assumes that Hero has been unfaithful to him, causing a public shaming.

Suggested Readings

1. Giltrow, Janet. Academic Writing: Writing and Reading in the Disciplines. Broadview Press, 2002.
2. Iser, Wolfgang. The Act of Reading: A Theory of Aesthetic Response. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1978.
3. Smith, Barbara Herrnstein. Poetic Closure: A Study of How Poems End. University of Chicago Press, 1968.
4. Chakrabarty, Dipesh. Habitations of modernity: Essays in the wake of subaltern studies. University of Chicago Press, 2002.
5. Zunshine, Lisa. Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel. Ohio State University Press, 2006.