The document discusses the nature of literary commentary, emphasizing the importance of analyzing both the content and techniques used by authors to create meaning. It encourages a balanced approach that avoids simply listing observations, while also steering clear of overly philosophical interpretations. The ideal commentary integrates interpretation, discussion of techniques, and assessment of their effects, linking them directly to the meaning conveyed in the text.

2. IB Assessments… where the commentary is

3. Commentary is “ a literary composition with a definite subject consisting of a systematic series of comments or annotations on the text of a literary work.” (OED)

4. An analysis of the words on the page OR an analysis of author techniques used in the creation of meaning

5. “ To give a reading of a work which increases the audience’s understanding of it.”

6. Concerns / Motivations of: Character, Narrator, Speaker The and emotion through the passage

8. Stating the obvious…

9. patterns, voice/tone, imagery, argument

10. Mention author’s name to introduce each idea Mention “ the reader” often

14. those who understand that literature is a creation which needs to be examined.

15. Look at Structure 2) Discuss Meaning of passages without assuming it is only to be found during a treasure hunt or must inevitably become a lecture about life.

17. Concentrate on the way in which a character is presented or a scene is set or an image is developed

18. An integration of: interpretation of the content discussion of the technique Assessment of the effects achieved

19. The ideal commentary treats literary techniques as inseparable from meaning (with a focus on how the features develop meaning)

20. Stronger candidates stated a kind of overview of what the piece was about, and then set about showing how this was achieved.

23. Always Tie Technique with Meaning

25. Metaphor Resist the urge to simply list what you see.

26. Strike a balance between literal reading and over- interpretation .

27. the passage or poem is not a kind of puzzle with a definite solution.

28. DO NOT turn commentaries into lengthy, personal, pseudo-philosophical musings on the themes raised by the passages.

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