When analyzing any literary work, be it a full text, an excerpt, or any document, for that matter, one way, or one technique that can be used is the analysis of a cause-effect, or causal relationship. Basically, this technique allows the critic to discover the links that exist between a situation, or an event, that takes place and the consequences that derive from said cause. It is almost like tracing a pattern backwards that explains why an action, or a result, happened. In order then for the reader, or critic to use this technique, he/she must take into consideration a series of things:
A: Describe the characters´ actions from past events. This is because, when you discover the past events, you can find an explanation and a link with the action realized and you can understand the sequence in the story.
B: Identify the cause of the action or event. This is a more direct pathway, as it establishes the direct link between cause and effect. In the first option, background history will explain in some form why a character acts in a certain way, but it may not always be the only cause. However, when you find the direct cause of an action, you find this causality.
D: Consider the effect of the action of event. By doing this you are continuing the process that is necessary to establish a cause and effect relationship. It gives you the full picture and the full understanding of the how, when, and why and also of the outcomes. It is almost like the finishing touch to unraveling the mystery in a story.
