Literary Commentary and Analysis

Important Terms: Criticism, Commentary, Analysis  First, “criticism” and “commentary” mean the exact same thing, so don’t be confused if you see these words used interchangeable.  Second, we will use the word “commentary” because that is the word IB uses the most.  Third, a commentary is a literary analysis, which is essentially a close study of the elements that contribute to the success, or failure, of a work of literature.

Immediate Goals of Literary Commentary  In a literary commentary you want to: 1.Understand the text 2.Be able to identify and comment on the literary features of the text 3.Be able to organize your findings into a coherent piece of writing

Long Term Goals of Literary Commentary  Being able to analyze texts will not only help you in your exams but it is also an important skill to acquire for other reasons: 1.It enables you to appreciate the skills in writing and therefore enhance your appreciation of literature 2.It will help you improve your own writing style when you recognize that you can use a wide range of techniques 3.You become more aware that language shapes meaning and can be used for manipulation. In life, a necessary and crucial skill is being able to evaluate the messages and information with which we are bombarded on a daily basis. This will greatly enhance our ability to critically think (Compare with Fahrenheit 451!!!).

Getting Started: Mountain Range  As you develop your own style and advance as a literary student, you will find you can approach literary commentary from a variety of angles.  For now, use the Mountain Range Activity to help you find a focus on a theme or message in the literary work.  When forming criticism on literature, if our commentary is on the overall value of the piece, a strong theme is very important. If the literary work is simply for silly entertainment, then it will not have a strong universal message, and therefore will not stand the test of time. We can likely conclude that it is not a “good” work.

Literary Elements (Devices)  In addition to theme, every author will incorporate various literary elements into their writing in order to enhance the overall meaning or message, or to add a certain artistic quality that challenges the reader to think more critically.  What are the elements? Theme, conflict, characterization, structure, imagery, language, diction…and the list goes on. Visit the resource section of our webpage for a full list of literary elements

The Importance of Language and Style  Language is, of course, of paramount importance when analyzing literature. Particularly in English, which has a very rich vocabulary because of the fusion of Germanic and French and Latin, writer love to play with language and use it effectively to communicate their message.  Each writer, then, develops his/her own unique style and it is up to you to capture, understand, and describe that style and how it is used by the writer to communicate effectively.

Denotation and Connotation  Literary criticism is concerned with looking very closely at not just the meanings of words but also their associations.  All words of DENOTATIONS, which is the dictionary definition, and CONNOTATIONS, which are associations connected with that word.  This is what we work on when we do writer’s effect questions. It is through the connotations that the effect is generated, and that is what you want to identify.

Approaching Literary Commentary  The Mountain Range Activity is a great way to get the ball rolling. However, some students may prefer a more structured approach until they start to feel more comfortable.  Use the Commentary Checklist given to in class, or access it on our website. These 10 check points offer a solid approach for beginners.

Assignment: The Rain Horse  Before our actual Performance Task next week, we have to practice for an oral commentary. For “The Rain Horse” we had a great discussion, and you developed a thesis, and you chose a passage from the text for closer reading.  Using the Commentary Checklist, start answering the questions, paying particular attention and detail to points 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10.