Rules of Coherence

Finding systems of unity among the details

Insufficient information—we know that holes in a text must be filled in.


Bundling of information—we find patterns that link characters or events. The Song of Solomon uses biblical names for certain characters, but not others.


Consistent reference—a signifier is linked to one signified. It might not be clear to us, but we assume that there is a way to unify discordant impressions. (Think of Piggy’s glasses. Perhaps you assume that they represent the hope of salvation through logic and technology. When they start to fall apart, you don’t say “well, I guess I was wrong.” You adjust.)





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