How to Write an Analytical Commentary of a Play

Analytical commentaries often appear in literary journals or the entertainment section of a newspaper. They often consist of an introduction to the play, a preview of the main points of the commentary, an analysis of the piece and final thoughts. They can also, however, take a freer approach. Effective analytical commentaries of plays consider the plot, character development, script, acting, production and direction of the play, if seen live. Analytical commentaries can also analyze plays from past writers, such as William Shakespeare or Samuel Beckett.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin your analytical commentary with an interesting quote from the play, relevant trivia or other fascinating observation. This draws your reader's attention into your writing.

    • 2

      State your thesis or topic statement, an overall claim about the play's effectiveness in accomplishing what it set out to achieve.

    • 3

      Support your thesis statement with well-developed paragraphs that present evidence from the play in an organized fashion. Evidence can arise from the script, the acting, production and lighting techniques, stage direction or plot. Draw connections between these elements, arguing for how they achieve or fail to achieve what the play promises.

    • 4

      Analyze the text of the script carefully in your discussion of the play. Consider the style of writing and any rhetorical tropes used, such as soliloquies, monologues or dramatic irony and the effect they have on the play.

    • 5

      Consider the genre and context of the play. Decide if the play conforms to the conventions of its genre or challenges them. If this is an older play, comment on any possible social, political or religious influence influences.

    • 6

      Conclude your commentary by reiterating your thesis or major interpretation of the play. Leave the reader with some final thoughts. Highlight why the play was successful. If the play failed in some way, remind the reader briefly why and how it did so and suggest areas of improvement.

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