A paper-first reading field guide
Separate Cause From Coincidence in a Story
Use three linked fields: event a, event b, and link evidence. Keep each field brief and attach the page or chapter landmark that supports it.
Check whether two linked events have textual evidence for cause or only happen near each other. A compact three-anchor trail keeps the note useful when you return later or discuss it with someone using another edition.
Step 1
Anchor the location
Record the page or chapter before interpreting the moment. Add the current reading boundary when later knowledge could change the note.
Step 2
Event A
Anchor both events to their pages.
Step 3
Event B
State the proposed causal link in one line.
Step 4
Link evidence
Mark the page that proves, weakens, or leaves the link uncertain.