The noun premonition signifies a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant. This sense of foreboding, an intuition of future events, can manifest as a vague unease or a clear and vivid impression. For example, an individual might experience a disquieting feeling about an upcoming trip, leading them to believe that something negative will occur during the journey. The term suggests a psychic or intuitive awareness, although explanations often remain within the realm of psychological or emotional anticipation.
The presence of such anticipatory feelings can serve a critical role in literature, enhancing suspense and deepening character development. These sensations provide a narrative layer, offering insights into a character’s subconscious anxieties and fears. Such feelings can also function as a warning signal, prompting characters to alter their course of action, potentially mitigating adverse outcomes or preparing them for impending challenges. Historically, these sensations have been viewed with varying degrees of skepticism and acceptance, often attributed to supernatural causes or dismissed as mere coincidence.
