Level One Definition:

At this stage in our analysis, we explain the ways in which authorial choices achieve effects. When we look at authorial choices, we’re looking at the details that author’s have intentionally or unintentionally included in their work. Once we have identified these choices, we need to identify the effects that they have by asking if an author’s choice emphasises something, implies something or evokes something.

In order to do complete Level One Analysis correctly, we need to make sure that we: 

• Accurately identify authorial choices
  This requires you to be specific about the choice that you’re talking about. You haven’t done this if you use vague comments like ‘this quote’. Instead be specific, using phrases like ‘this metaphor’ or ‘the polysyndeton.’

• Use appropriate effect language
  You’ve done this correctly if you use the words ‘emphasise’, ‘imply’, ‘evoke’, or their synonyms.

• Explain how an author’s choice achieves an effect
  That’s to say that you have justified your analysis by explicitly saying how a particular choice achieves a particular effect.

• Ensure that there’s a logical relationship between the authorial choice and effect that you’ve identified
  This means that you’re being accurate with your analysis. For example, you wouldn’t say that the metaphor ‘he is a pig’ implies that the character is graceful and elegant. 

• Analyse multiple authorial choices

Essentially, Level One Analysis is the foundation of your interpretation. You need to make sure that there are substantial details in the text to validate your ideas.