How to Do Commentary in an Essay: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Thought

How to Do Commentary in an Essay: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Thought

Commentary in an essay is not merely a summary or a restatement of facts; it is the soul of your argument, the bridge between evidence and insight. It is where you, as the writer, step forward to interpret, analyze, and connect the dots for your reader. To master the art of commentary is to master the art of persuasion, to weave a tapestry of thought that is both compelling and enlightening. In this article, we will explore various perspectives on how to craft effective commentary, drawing from the realms of rhetoric, psychology, and even a touch of the surreal.

The Rhetorical Perspective: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

From a rhetorical standpoint, commentary is where you establish your credibility (ethos), appeal to the emotions (pathos), and present logical arguments (logos). Ethos is built through the use of authoritative sources and a confident tone. Pathos is evoked by connecting the topic to the reader’s emotions, perhaps by highlighting the human impact of an issue. Logos is the backbone of your commentary, where you present clear, logical reasoning that supports your thesis.

For example, if you are writing about climate change, your commentary might include a reference to a respected scientist’s findings (ethos), a description of the suffering caused by natural disasters (pathos), and a statistical analysis of rising temperatures (logos). The interplay of these elements creates a commentary that is both persuasive and memorable.

The Psychological Perspective: Cognitive Dissonance and Narrative Transportation

Psychologically, effective commentary can create cognitive dissonance, a state of mental discomfort that occurs when a person holds two conflicting beliefs. By presenting evidence that challenges the reader’s preconceptions, you can prompt them to reconsider their stance. This is particularly powerful in persuasive essays, where the goal is to change minds.

Narrative transportation is another psychological concept that can enhance your commentary. This is the idea that readers become so absorbed in a story that they are “transported” into the narrative world. By weaving a compelling narrative into your commentary, you can engage your reader on a deeper level, making your arguments more impactful.

For instance, if you are arguing for the importance of education, you might tell the story of a young girl in a developing country who overcomes immense obstacles to attend school. This narrative not only illustrates your point but also transports the reader into the girl’s world, making the argument more visceral and real.

The Surreal Perspective: The Unconscious and the Absurd

Now, let us venture into the surreal. Commentary, in its most abstract form, can be seen as a dialogue with the unconscious mind. Just as dreams are the mind’s way of processing information, commentary can be a way of processing and interpreting the evidence presented in your essay. This perspective encourages you to think outside the box, to explore unconventional connections and interpretations.

The absurd, a concept popularized by existentialist philosophers like Albert Camus, can also play a role in commentary. By embracing the absurd, you acknowledge the inherent chaos and meaninglessness of life, yet still find a way to create meaning. In an essay, this might mean acknowledging the complexity and contradictions of your topic, yet still arriving at a coherent and meaningful conclusion.

For example, if you are writing about the ethics of artificial intelligence, you might explore the absurdity of creating machines that can think and feel, yet are ultimately controlled by humans. This commentary could delve into the philosophical implications of such a scenario, challenging the reader to consider the boundaries of humanity and morality.

The Practical Perspective: Structure and Clarity

While the above perspectives offer rich theoretical insights, it is also important to consider the practical aspects of writing commentary. A well-structured commentary is clear, concise, and logically organized. Each point should flow naturally from the previous one, building a coherent argument.

One effective structure is the “PEEL” method: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link. Start by making a clear point, support it with evidence, explain how the evidence supports your point, and then link it back to your thesis. This method ensures that your commentary is both focused and comprehensive.

For example, if your point is that social media has a negative impact on mental health, you might present evidence from a recent study, explain how the study’s findings support your point, and then link this back to your overall argument about the need for regulation.

The Ethical Perspective: Responsibility and Integrity

Finally, it is crucial to consider the ethical dimension of commentary. As a writer, you have a responsibility to present your arguments with integrity, avoiding manipulation and distortion of facts. Ethical commentary is honest, transparent, and respectful of differing viewpoints.

This means acknowledging counterarguments and addressing them fairly, rather than dismissing them out of hand. It also means being mindful of the potential impact of your words, particularly on sensitive topics. Ethical commentary seeks to inform and persuade, not to deceive or harm.

For instance, if you are writing about a controversial political issue, you should strive to present a balanced view, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of the situation. This approach not only strengthens your argument but also demonstrates your commitment to ethical writing.

Q: How can I make my commentary more engaging? A: To make your commentary more engaging, try to incorporate vivid language, compelling narratives, and thought-provoking questions. Engage the reader’s emotions and imagination, and don’t be afraid to challenge their assumptions.

Q: What is the difference between commentary and analysis? A: Commentary is your interpretation and evaluation of the evidence, while analysis is the process of breaking down the evidence to understand its components and implications. Commentary often follows analysis, providing the “so what” of your findings.

Q: How do I avoid being too subjective in my commentary? A: To avoid being too subjective, ground your commentary in evidence and logical reasoning. Acknowledge different perspectives and be transparent about your own biases. Strive for a balanced and fair presentation of your arguments.

Q: Can commentary be too long? A: Yes, commentary can be too long if it becomes repetitive or strays from the main point. Keep your commentary focused and concise, ensuring that each sentence adds value to your argument.