Useful language for critical commentary

The author/novel/text/passage/fragment
presents/represents/portrays/depicts/ describes/ illustrates/ gives a picture
of /reflects/mirrors/ reveals/ exposes/ renders the fact/idea/reflects on
analyses/explores/examines/ investigates/ evaluates/
questions/interrogates/ anatomises/dissects/scrutinises/looks into/probes
into/is a penetrating/insightful/grasping analysis/study/exploration of
.highlights/stresses/emphasises/accentuates/gives emphasis to/ calls
attention to/ underscores/ lays (puts) stress (emphasis) on /underlines the
fact (idea)/sets (throws/brings) into sharp (bold) relief
contrasts/sets in contrast (antithesis) /establishes an antithesis/draws a
distinction between/sets in stark contrast/the text is based on an
antithesis between
expresses/illustrates/suggests/evokes/ stands for/ symbolizes/indicates/
conveys/ corresponds to/ signifies/embodies/is a symbol of/ epitomizes/
denotes/ expresses/communicates/ puts across/ puts into words/
recalls/calls (brings) to mind/reminds one of/is reminiscent of/is redolent
of /is expressive of/resonates with/conjures up/puts one in mind of (an
idea, an image etc)
The text is a pungent/ pithy/ forceful/ biting /mordant/cutting/ caustic/
acerbic satire on /a satirical study of
N.B. Use the PRESENT SIMPLE in literary commentary