baasjuhtus

Baasjuhtus is a term used in Estonian literary analysis to denote the central incident or catalyst that sets a narrative in motion or redirects its course. The word combines baas ('base, foundation') with juhtus ('happened'), producing a literal 'base incident'. In practice, it refers to a pivotal moment that anchors the plot’s logic and motivates subsequent actions, though it is not limited to the moment of greatest emotional intensity.

Definition and scope: The baasjuhtus is conceived as the event that explains why the story unfolds as it does and how later events connect. It can precede or coincide with other plot milestones and may function differently across genres; it is distinct from the inciting incident and from the climax, though it can influence both.

Usage and debates: The term is primarily used in academic discussions of plot structure within Estonian-language narratology. Some scholars treat baasjuhtus as a formal category of narrative causation, while others view it as a heuristic tool for analyzing cause–effect chains in a story. Critics warn that the lack of a standard definition limits cross-cultural application.

Examples: In analyses, a murder, a discovery, or a revelation can serve as a baasjuhtus if it establishes the story’s causal trajectory. The exact placement of the baasjuhtus varies by work, and some narratives may present competing baasjuhtused.