Mr. King J110 Writing Good Commentary

After this presentation, you will be able to answer the following questions: 1.Why is commentary needed? 2. How do I write commentary? 3. About how many sentences should I write?

Why is Commentary Needed? Commentary explains the context of each CD that you have selected for your essay Commentary explains how each CD supports your Main Thesis and Support Thesis Commentary explains how your CD illustrates the *theme you selected for your essay *Note: relating to a theme is for the LOTF Analysis paper only

How to Explain the Context of a CD Commentary explains the context of each CD that you have selected for your essay To explain the context of a CD, assume that whoever reads your paper has no information about the story until you provide it Your job is to explain: -who is talking (if someone is speaking) -what the discussion is about -why this CD is important to the story *This should take 1-3 sentences

How to Explain How a CD Supports a MT Commentary explains how each CD supports your Main Thesis and Support Thesis To explain how each CD supports your Main Thesis and Support Thesis, describe the connection between each CD and Lit Device Example: The conch is a symbol for order because whoever possesses the conch has the ability to speak to the entire group without interruption. *This should take 1 sentence

How to Explain How a CD Supports a Theme Commentary explains how your CD illustrates the theme you selected for your essay To explain how your CD illustrates the theme you selected: -describe the theme (man is naturally evil) -match your CD to your theme (The stick sharpened on each side proves that an evil deed was sought for Ralph.) Do not simply state “this shows fear…” Instead explain what the connection is! *This should take 1-2 sentences

Practice Here is an example of a CD without Commentary from The Lord of the Flies: “See? They do what I want,” (151). Class Discussion: What questions do you have about this CD?

Example Here is an example of the same CD with Commentary: “See? They do what I want,” (151). Jack attempts to warn Piggy and Ralph about his tribe’s loyalty. Jack grows angry because Ralph and Piggy are making valid points about Jack’s inadequacies as a leader. Although the savages do follow Jack’s order, it is not out of respect for Jack, but instead due to the fear of what he might do to them. This growing panic forces others to conform to the Castle Rock gang and illustrates how fear controls the actions of the boys who have become uncivilized.

What Did We Learn? Each CD you choose for the essay is important Assume that whoever reads your paper has no information about the story until you provide it Commentary should be between 3-6 sentences in length!!! Spend time on your commentary; good writers will fully explain why each CD is important to the reader