The purpose of this analysis of the novel, Das Versprechen, is to determine its central concept (theme), and to show how this theme manifests itself in the relationships of the elements to each other. This relationship among elements is termed "structure." An element is defined as any narrative detail which has especial significance for the understanding of the novel. It is attempted to show that the theme of this novel that chance and the nonrational must be accepted as an integral part of reality. This theme is exhibited in such elements of the structure as the relation of characters to each other, the relation of events and ideas to each other as shown through style, symbol, motif and the point of view complex.