Meta commentary essay, also known as meta-discourse commentary, refers to a type of essay that analyses and comments on another piece of work. This essay aims to understand the purpose of the original work by dissecting its content, context, and style. Meta-commentary is usually written by academics or students, and it helps them understand the subject matter at a deeper level. In this article, we will explore meta-commentary in detail and provide insightful examples to illustrate how it works in practice.
Key Takeaways
- Meta commentary essay is a type of essay that analyzes and comments on another piece of work.
- The purpose of a meta commentary essay is to understand the original work at a deeper level.
- Meta commentary essays differ from other types of essays in that they aim to understand the subject matter through analysis and commentary.
- Meta commentary essays are used in literature, film, and music to interpret the meaning of these works.
Examples of Meta Commentary Essay
There are various types of meta-commentary essays, and they all serve different purposes. Here are some examples and how they work:
Literature
Meta-commentary essays are commonly used in literature to analyse the author’s style and thematic significance of a particular work. The essay may also provide a cultural or historical context for the work. For instance, a meta-commentary essay on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby, may analyse the author’s use of language, symbolism, and characters, and how it reflects the narratives of the Jazz Age.
Film
A film meta-commentary essay analyses the director’s style, techniques used in the film, the plot, and the underlying themes. This essay may also examine the film’s cultural or historical significance. For example, a meta-commentary essay on the film, Citizen Kane, could analyze Orson Welles’ use of deep-focus shots, the symbolism he used, and how he depicted power.
Music
A meta-commentary essay on music analyses the lyrics, style, and thematic significance of a particular album or song. It may also provide cultural or historical context for the work. An example of this is a meta-commentary essay on Bob Dylan’s song, “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The essay may analyze Dylan’s use of metaphor and symbolism, the song’s context within the Civil Rights Movement, and how this song has become a part of music history.
The Purpose of Meta Commentary Essay
The purpose of meta commentary essay is to help the reader understand the subject matter of the original work better. By analyzing the original work, the meta-commentator can provide insights into the purpose of the work, its historical and cultural significance, and any literary or rhetorical devices used by the author. Meta commentary essays allow one to reflect on a work, think critically about its meaning and significance, and draw connections between the text and other works of art.
Conclusion
Meta-commentary essays are a useful tool for academics and students to understand a work of art or literature. By examining the original work, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, cultural or historical context, and the author’s intent. From literature to film and music, meta-commentary is used to analyze works on many levels, making it a fascinating field of study.
FAQ
What is meta commentary?
Meta commentary refers to a type of essay that analyses and comments on another piece of work. It aims to understand the purpose of the original work by dissecting its content, context, and style.
Who writes a meta-commentary essay?
Meta-commentary is usually written by academics or students.
What is the purpose of a meta-commentary essay?
The purpose of a meta-commentary essay is to understand the original work at a deeper level.
How does a meta-commentary essay differ from other types of essays?
Meta-commentary essays aim to understand the subject matter through analysis and commentary, while other essays may aim to persuade, inform or narrate a story.
What are the types of meta-commentary essays?
Meta-commentary essays are used in literature, film, and music to interpret the meaning of these works.