How would you approach a critical commentary of an extract of a text?

A critical commentary is a close reading of a passage of a text. You will need to explain the main features of the passage and analyse the kind of effect it creates. It can be helpful to think of a critical commentary as answering the question: 'what is the function of this passage, and how is it achieved?' Firstly you should find some words or phrases that seem especially interesting or significant. Consider the register and tone and notice who is speaking (the narrator? the character?) and decide whether there is anything interesting about this. Locate the passage within the text and briefly consider how it relates to the rest of the text - does it foreshadow or contrast with, set up or build on other moments? When you have decided what the most interesting parts to talk about are, decide how they effect your reading and understanding of the text. If there are any allusions to historical and literary context, ensure to mention these and decide whether any of the literary devices are specific to the period the text alludes to.