Premise in Literature

Introduction: Premise in Literature

The concept of premise in literature holds a central place as a foundational element that shapes the narrative structure and thematic exploration of literary works. In literature, a premise serves as the starting point, providing the essential groundwork upon which the story unfolds.

It often embodies a core idea, emotional underpinning, or ethical dilemma, influencing character motivations, plot development, and reader engagement. The exploration of various types of premises, including conceptual, emotional, and moral, enhances the depth and complexity of literary narratives, making them rich with meaning and resonance.

Shakespearean Premises in Literature

Work	Example	Explanation
“Hamlet”	The premise of “Hamlet” revolves around the theme of revenge and the moral complexities of seeking retribution. Hamlet’s internal struggle, driven by the premise of avenging his father’s murder, raises questions about the consequences of vengeance and the human psyche.	“Hamlet” is driven by the premise of revenge, where the protagonist’s internal conflict and the moral implications of seeking retribution serve as central themes.
“Romeo and Juliet”	The premise of “Romeo and Juliet” is built on the theme of forbidden love and the consequences of feuding families. The young lovers’ premise of defying their families and society to be together explores themes of love, fate, and tragedy.	The premise of “Romeo and Juliet” centers on the forbidden love between the young protagonists, highlighting the tragic consequences of familial conflicts and societal norms.
“Macbeth”	The premise of “Macbeth” is rooted in ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Macbeth’s premise of aspiring to become king leads to a tragic spiral of murder and tyranny, illustrating the consequences of unchecked ambition.	“Macbeth” is driven by the premise of ambition, and it explores how the unchecked pursuit of power can lead to moral corruption and tragedy.
“Othello”	The premise of “Othello” centers on jealousy and deception. Iago’s manipulation of Othello’s trust in his wife Desdemona forms the core of the premise, delving into themes of trust, betrayal, and the destructive nature of jealousy.	The premise of “Othello” is rooted in jealousy and manipulation, with Iago’s deceit leading to tragic consequences and exploring themes of trust and betrayal.
“The Tempest”	The premise of “The Tempest” explores themes of colonization, forgiveness, and the power of art. Prospero’s premise of using his magical abilities to manipulate the characters on the island reflects the complexities of power and redemption.	“The Tempest” is shaped by the premise of power, forgiveness, and manipulation, with Prospero’s magical abilities driving the narrative and its themes.
“King Lear”	The premise of “King Lear” is rooted in the consequences of pride and the dynamics of family relationships. Lear’s premise of dividing his kingdom among his daughters leads to a tragic exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the fragility of human relationships.	“King Lear” explores the premise of pride and family dynamics, with King Lear’s ill-fated decision to divide his kingdom serving as a catalyst for tragic events and themes of loyalty and betrayal.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”	The premise of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is centered on the theme of love and the whimsical nature of human desire. The premise explores the misadventures of love, including the effects of magic on human emotions.	“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is driven by the premise of love and the misadventures that occur under the influence of magic, exploring the whimsical and unpredictable nature of human desire.

Literary Examples of Premise in Literature

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The premise revolves around the moral dilemma of racial injustice and the loss of innocence as seen through the eyes of a young girl, Scout Finch.
2. 1984 by George Orwell: The premise explores the consequences of a totalitarian regime on individual freedom and the manipulation of truth and reality.
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: The premise centers on social class, marriage, and the impact of pride and prejudice on the characters’ relationships.
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The premise digs into the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and success, often at the cost of morality and genuine happiness.
5. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: The premise examines a dystopian society where the pursuit of pleasure and the suppression of individuality lead to dehumanization.
6. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: The premise focuses on the moral consequences of crime and the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, Raskolnikov, who commits murder.

These examples showcase the breadth and depth of premises in literature, each providing a foundation for exploring complex themes and human experiences.

How to Create Premise in Literature

1. Identify Central Theme: Begin by identifying the central theme or overarching concept that you want to explore in your story. This theme will serve as the core of your premise.
2. Develop a Core Idea: Develop a core idea that encapsulates the essence of your theme. This idea should be concise and clear, providing a starting point for your narrative.
3. Incorporate Conflict or Tension: A strong premise often includes an element of conflict, tension, or a question that needs to be resolved. This conflict adds depth to your story and engages the reader’s interest.
4. Consider Character and Setting: Think about the characters and setting that will be integral to your story. How do they relate to your core idea and the conflict you’ve identified?
5. Craft a Statement: Summarize your premise in a concise and declarative statement. This statement should convey the theme, core idea, conflict, and any significant characters or settings. It becomes the guiding principle for your narrative.

Benefits of Using Premise in Literature

1. Clarity and Focus: A clear premise provides a central idea and theme for your story, helping you maintain focus and coherence throughout your narrative.
2. Engagement: A compelling premise with an inherent conflict or question captures the reader’s attention and keeps them engaged, driving their interest in the story.
3. Thematic Depth: A well-crafted premise allows for deeper exploration of themes and ideas, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning.
4. Character Development: The premise can inform and shape your characters, their motivations, and their arcs, making them more relatable and dynamic.
5. Narrative Structure: A strong premise serves as a structural guide, helping you organize the plot, events, and character interactions effectively.

Premise in Literature and Literary Theory

Step	Explanation
Identify the Literary Theory	Determine the literary theory or critical approach to apply in the analysis, each offering unique perspectives for critiquing the premise.
Analyze the Premise in Context	Examine how the premise aligns with the themes, characters, and narrative structure, considering its interaction with central story elements.
Evaluate Thematic Implications	Use the chosen literary theory to assess how the premise influences the exploration of themes and ideas, either aligning with or challenging the theory.
Consider Character and Motivation	Evaluate how the premise shapes characters‘ motivations, behaviors, and development, determining its support or subversion of theoretical expectations.
Examine Narrative Structure	Critique how the premise influences narrative structure, plot development, and the use of literary devices, assessing its impact from the theory’s perspective.
Compare with Theoretical Framework	Compare the premise’s implications with the principles and concepts of the chosen literary theory, identifying alignment or challenges to the theoretical framework.
Discuss Interpretive Ambiguities	Explore potential ambiguities or multiple interpretations arising from the premise’s interaction with the selected literary theory, considering layers of meaning and contradictions.
Offer a Theoretical Analysis	Provide a critical analysis of how the premise contributes to the literary work’s significance within the framework of the chosen literary theory, discussing theoretical insights and implications.
Provide Evidence	Support your critique with specific examples, textual evidence, and references to the literary work, as well as relevant theoretical concepts or arguments.
Conclude with a Synthesis	Conclude your critique by summarizing the key findings of your analysis and discussing the overall impact of the premise within the context of the literary theory.

By following these steps, you can offer a comprehensive and insightful critique of how the premise in a literary work interacts with and influences the theoretical framework you have chosen to apply. This approach enhances the depth of literary analysis and fosters a richer understanding of the text.

Suggested Readings

1. Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
2. Fisher, Walter R. The Narrative Paradigm: In the Beginning. Communication Monographs, vol. 51, no. 3, 1984, pp. 253-259.
3. Walton, Douglas N. Informal Logic: A Handbook for Critical Argumentation. Cambridge University Press, 1989.
4. Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
5. Johnson, Ralph H. The Rise of Informal Logic. Virginia Review of Asian Studies, vol. 1, 1995, pp. 134-143.