Using Quotes in a Literary Analysis

A QUICK GUIDE

When Should I Use Quotes?

When the authors words convey a powerful meaning When you want to use the author as authoritative

voice in your own writing To introduce an authors position you may wish to discuss To support claims in, or provide evidence for a literary analysis

Caveats
Do not choose boring, mundane quotes from the

text. Do not choose quotes that are obvious and self explanatory. i.e. The author states, She went to the store (Palmer 45).

Explicate Quotes
When including quotes in a literary analysis, be sure to

explicate them. This means explaining what the words mean, analyzing both the connotations and denotations of the words the author uses. Hints: Discuss metaphors, strong images, cultural associations. For instance, why might an author choose to have a character drink wine instead of beer? Tequila instead of coke? What are the associations with these beverages? Draw out the deeper implications of the authors choices as you analyze the text.

Incorporating Quotes
You must introduce all quotes you include in a

literary analysis. You must introduce all quotes you include in a literary analysis. You must introduce all quotes you include in a literary analysis. You must introduce all quotes you include in a literary analysis. You must introduce all quotes you include in a literary analysis.

No Stand Alone Quotes

No Stand Alone Quotes! No stand Alone Quotes! No stand Alone Quotes!

No stand Alone Quotes!

No stand Alone Quotes! No stand Alone Quotes! No stand Alone Quotes! No stand Alone Quotes! No stand Alone Quotes!

How do I introduce Quotes?

With an introductory phrase

Example: According to Williams, her face turned a

pale pink when asked about the night she spent wandering the city streets with his brother (982). Notice that a comma is used after an introductory phrase. Notice that the period is on the outside of the

How do I Introduce Quotes?

With a full sentence Example: Her guilt is made evident during the

conversation she has with her husband the night of his departure: her face turned a pale pink when asked about the night she spent wandering the city streets with his brother (Williams 982). Notice that a colon is used instead of a comma Notice that the authors name is given since it was not given in the introductory material.

How do I introduce Long Quotes?

Indent ten spaces when including quotes that are longer than four lines in

the body of your paper.

Example: Plays in Shakespeares time were performed at a much swifter

pace than what we would be able to follow. While most plays all consisted of five acts, they didnt take as long as would be expected: The pace of a performance was rapid; Shakespeares plays were put on in two hours. There was no scenery, no lighting, few props, and no curtain on the main stage. As a result, the action moved quickly from one scene to the next. (Akley 132)

Notice that there are no quotation marks around the long quote. Notice that the punctuation is put before not after the parenthetical references.