Try to develop a literary essay or commentary around a thesis statement, which is a short statement that explains what it is that you wish to demonstrate.
A thesis statement is easier to find and write if you have spent some time studying the texts already. In preparation for a commentary you should plan to read the text four or five times. Relax. Give yourself a quiet space in which to think about what you are reading. Look up the words you don't understand. See how the text breaks down into movements.
Consider that your reader needs to be convinced that what you say is true and important. Use proofs from the literary text to support your assertions.
Before handing anything in: REREAD IT! After every paragraph, ask yourself the question, "so what?"
Punctuation varies from country to country and language to language. Make sure that you are consistent in your use of punctuation, and that it is appropriate for English language texts.
Helpful books and articles to consult on writing, and writing about literature:
Gallet, René. Pratique de l'explication de texte en anglais. Paris: Ellipses, 2007.
Orwell, George. "Politics and the English Language" (1946).
Strunk, William, and White, E.B. The Elements of Style (4th edition), Longman, 1999.
