Getting Started with Literary Analysis – Level 1 Sentence Template | The Proximal Inference

Proximal Inference: The first impression evoked by a particular literary choice. For instance, the use of the simile “crept like a rat” instantly creates an impression of sneakiness and evasion.

Level 1 Sentence Template:

Version 1:

Last name of author + ‘s + use of + literary choice + textual reference + has connotations of + proximal inference

Example:

Robert’s use of the juxtaposition “bloodied rose” has connotations of tragic love.

Robert’s use of the simile “crept like a rat” has connotations of sneakiness and evasion.

Robert’s use of the visual image “green monster” has connotations of intimidation and fear.

Version 2:

Last name of author+ ‘s + use of + literary choice + textual reference + evokes the idea of + proximal inference.

Example:

Robert’s use of the juxtaposition “bloodied rose” evokes the idea of tragic love.

Version 3:

Last name of author+ ‘s + use of + literary choice + textual reference + conjures up the idea of + proximal inference.

Robert’s use of the juxtaposition “bloodied rose” conjures up the idea of tragic love.

Tip 1: If it is not clear what the literary choice is referring to, make sure to add some context to clarify it.

For instance, let’s say a simile is describing a suspicious man. In that case, you would write the level-one sentence template as follows:

Robert’s use of the simile “crept like a rat” when describing the “suspicious man” has connotations of sneakiness and evasion.

Tip 2: Make sure to use embedded quotes when giving context and paraphrase the rest.

Robert’s use of the simile “crept like a rat” when describing the “suspicious man” has connotations of sneakiness and evasion.

Tip 3: Your proximal inferences should usually consist of noun(s). For example: sneakiness, evasion, stealthiness etc.

Robert’s use of the simile “crept like a rat” when describing the “suspicious man” has connotations of sneakiness and evasion.

Tip 4: Whenever a verb in your embedded quote does not fit in grammatically with the rest of the sentence, use square brackets in order to align the embedded quotes grammatically.

Achebe’s use of the emotive word “torment” when describing what Ezinma might do to her mother after “return[ing] again” has connotations of psychological torture.

Tip 5 (Advanced): If possible, combine two or more literary choices and tie them together with a proximal inference.

Example: Robert’s use of the simile “crept like a rat” when describing the “suspicious man” in conjunction with the visual imagery of a “burglar” has connotations of sneakiness and evasion.

More Examples:

1. Behloul’s use of the personification “invaded her nose” when describing the “scent of salty sea” has connotations of an intense and inescapable smell.
2. Behloul’s use of the simile “like a cat burglar” when she has Crabby describe how he feels like he is “sneaking under his cloak” has connotations of furtiveness and stealthiness.
3. Achebe’s use of the visual imagery “smooth pebble” that is “wrapped in a dirty rag” when describing Ezinma’s “iyi-uwa” has connotations of solidity and realness.
4. Achebe’s use of the characterization “not wanted to cooperate” when describing Ezinma’s distrust of “Okagbue” evokes the idea of fear and caution.
5. Achebe’s use of the demanding tone in “Answer the question at once” when he has Okonkwo ask for the location of Ezinma’s “iyi-uwa” has connotations of frustration and impatience.