How to Structure a Commentary Essay (analysis of a passage)
I. Paragraph 1, Introduction
a. Set the context with a brief summary of the action leading up to the passage, as well as a short
summary of what occurs in the passage itself
b. Identify the speaker/narrator, and the tone used by the narrator and evidence within the
passage of the narrator's attitude toward the subject (note: in LOTF, the narration is always
third-person omniscient)
c. * Explain the essence, gist, central concept or main idea of the poem or passage – in other
words, what is the point of this passage – what makes it important?
d. * Indicate how you will structure the body of your commentary – the best way to do this is
implicitly (i.e., “Through the use of [insert literary devices], [insert author’s name] reveals
[insert idea mentioned in c]. OR “[Insert author’s name] illustrates [insert idea mentioned in c]
through the development of [insert the three themes you’re going to talk about].” etc.).
i. Divide by literary devices (from least to most complex/important) NOTE: The
instructions that follow explain how to structure a commentary using this
organizational device. The others are equally valid structures, but this one is
recommended for a close analysis of a passage.
ii. Follow the natural order of the poem/passage (by stanza, paragraph or section)
iii. Organize according to a number of themes emerging from the excerpt
* The combination of c & d is the thesis of your commentary.
II. Paragraph 2, Body 1: Explain how Literary Device #1 contributes to the Big Picture (C above).
a. Cite as many examples of the device as possible, embedding your quotations into sentences
clearly explaining authorial intentions.
b. Comment on the effect of the literary device, and explain how it enhances the main idea. Make
sure the last sentence in your paragraph makes a clear link between the device and your thesis.
III. Paragraph 3, Body 2: Explain how Literary Device #2 contributes to the Big Picture (C above).
a. Cite as many examples of the device as possible, embedding your quotations into sentences
clearly explaining authorial intentions.
b. Comment on the effect of the literary device, and explain how it enhances the main idea. Make
sure the last sentence in your paragraph makes a clear link between the device and your thesis.
IV. Paragraph 4, Body 3: Explain how Literary Device #2 contributes to the Big Picture (C above).
a. Cite as many examples of the device as possible, embedding your quotations into sentences
clearly explaining authorial intentions.
b. Comment on the effect of the literary device, and explain how it enhances the main idea. Make
sure the last sentence in your paragraph makes a clear link between the device and your thesis.
V. Paragraph 5, Conclusion
a. Restate your thesis (a combination of C and D from your introduction) in different terms to
demonstrate that you have accomplished what you set out to do.
b. Expand the thesis to respond in a sincere, personal, insightful fashion to the central ideas of the
poem or passage. Sound conclusive as you wrap up your commentary. Note: this section is the
only place in your essay that you may choose to use first-person pronouns (“I” or “we”) – you
should not be using second-person pronouns (“you”) at all.
Document modified from instructions written by Jan Lowman