When the question asks, what is the basic premise of the environmental act. what is it asking me for, what it covers? i interpreted as what it covers but when i searched up the definition for premise, it said previous statement or base of argument. so now i am confused

Read the excerpt below and answer the question. it was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that i encountered friend. he accosted me with excessive warmth, for he had been drinking much. the man wore motley. had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. i wa to see him that i thought i should never have done wringing his hand. in the excerpt above, the use of the word madness is meant to o provide the reason for fortunato's ridiculous outfit. invoke a feeling of anger in the scene. screate a sarcastic tone in the narrator. describe the lawlessness of the carnival season. next question v ron urun