The Essential Role of Commentary in Literary Analysis
What is Literary Analysis Commentary?
Quick answer
Literary analysis commentary is the original explanation that connects your textual evidence to your thesis statement. It goes beyond summarizing the plot to explain why a specific quote or detail matters. Effective commentary interprets the author's choices, reveals underlying themes, and proves your argument by showing the 'how' and 'why' behind the text.
Why Commentary Matters
Without commentary, an essay is merely a collection of quotes and summaries. Commentary is where the actual 'analysis' happens. It allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and provides the connective tissue that makes your argument persuasive to the reader.
The Structure of an Analytical Paragraph
Most high-scoring analytical paragraphs follow a specific pattern: 1. Topic Sentence: State the main point of the paragraph. 2. Context: Briefly explain what is happening in the story. 3. Evidence: Provide a direct quote or specific detail. 4. Commentary: Explain how the evidence supports your topic sentence. 5. Conclusion: Wrap up the thought and transition to the next point.
Commentary vs. Summary
A common mistake is falling into plot summary. Summary tells the reader what happened. Commentary tells the reader what the events mean. If your sentence starts with 'Then the character did,' you are likely summarizing. If it starts with 'This action symbolizes,' you are providing commentary.
How to Deepen Your Analysis
To move beyond surface-level observations, look for literary devices like metaphors, tone, or foreshadowing. Ask yourself: Why did the author choose this specific word? How does this moment change the reader's perception of the protagonist? Answering these questions creates rich, insightful commentary.
Commentary Checklist
Before finalizing your essay, check your commentary against these points: Does it explain the significance of the quote? Does it avoid repeating the quote in different words? Does it directly support the thesis statement? Is it written in the third person? Does it use strong analytical verbs?