HEROGRAM: A Logical Approach to Narrative
Herogram, a narrative analysis tool, is based on the logical structure of syllogisms. This perspective allows us to unravel the relationships between story elements and the arguments that support them.
Syllogisms in the Herogram:
A syllogism is a deductive argument consisting of three propositions:
- Major premise: A general statement that establishes a relationship between two terms.
- Minor premise: A particular statement that applies the major premise to a specific case.
- Conclusion: A statement that follows from the two premises.
Within the Herogram framework, we can identify syllogisms at different levels:
1. Character level:
- Major premise: The archetypal hero possesses an intrinsic flaw or weakness.
- Minor premise: The hero faces a series of trials and challenges.
- Conclusion: Overcoming the internal flaw is essential for the hero to achieve their goal.
2. Plot level:
- Major premise: The story presents a central conflict or problem.
- Minor premise: The hero takes action to resolve the conflict.
- Conclusion: The hero’s resolution of the conflict leads to the story’s positive outcome.
3. Theme level:
- Major premise: The story explores a central theme or message.
- Minor premise: The story’s development illustrates the theme.
- Conclusion: The story’s theme is conveyed to the reader or viewer.
Universal and Particular Terms:
The syllogisms of the Herogram involve two types of terms:
Universal:
- Hero
- Flaw or intrinsic weakness
- Trial or challenge
- Goal
- Conflict or problem
- Theme or message
Particular:
- The specific identity of the hero (Frodo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, etc.)
- The specific nature of the flaw (fear, arrogance, etc.)
- The specific trials and challenges the hero faces (dangers, enemies, etc.)
- The specific goal of the hero (saving the world, finding love, etc.)
- The specific nature of the conflict or problem (war, illness, etc.)
- The specific theme or message of the story (redemption, hope, etc.)
Theoretical Analysis:
Analyzing the Herogram through the lens of syllogisms allows us to:
- Understand the story’s logical structure: Examining the premises and conclusion of each syllogism reveals how the narrative argument is constructed.
- Evaluate the strength of the arguments: Potential fallacies or inconsistencies in the story’s logic can be identified.
- Identify the essential elements of the story: The universal terms of the Hero’s Journey represent the basic components of any narrative.
- Compare and contrast different stories: Syllogistic analysis allows us to establish relationships between stories that share the same archetypal structure.
The theoretical approach of Herogram based on syllogisms offers a valuable tool for the in-depth analysis of stories. This perspective allows us to understand the narrative’s internal structure, the construction of arguments, and the transmission of the message.
Limitations:
It is important to note that Herogram analysis is not a magic formula for interpreting stories. It is a tool that can be useful for understanding the logical structure of the narrative, but it should not be seen as a unique and exclusive method of analysis.
This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the Herogram from a logical perspective, offering a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the art and craft of storytelling.
