Here's why:
* Personal experience: Our own lived experiences help us understand and connect with the characters, plot, and themes presented in a literary work. We bring our own understanding of human nature, emotions, relationships, and the world to the reading process.
* The text itself: It's crucial to base inferences on evidence directly presented in the text. This includes:
* Character actions and dialogue: What characters do and say reveals their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
* Setting: The environment, time period, and social context provide insights into the story.
* Themes: Recurring ideas or concepts that the author explores.
* Symbolism: Objects, characters, or events that represent something beyond their literal meaning.
Example:
Let's say a character in a story is described as "wearing a tattered coat and carrying a worn suitcase." You might infer that the character is poor or homeless based on your own experience with people in similar circumstances. However, you also need to consider other details within the text. Is the character portrayed as happy, sad, or indifferent? Are they traveling, or have they just arrived in a new place? These details will help you form a more accurate inference.
In summary:
Inferences are not simply guesses or assumptions. They are informed interpretations based on the text and your own understanding of the world. By combining your personal experience with textual evidence, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the literature you read.