Integrating Integrating Quotations into your Quotations into your

WritingWritingLiterary AnalysisLiterary Analysis

Methods to Introduce Quotations

• Use an explanatory phrase• Slice and dice the quote to make

the author’s words fit perfectly with yours

• Use a colon

Use an introductory or explanatory phrase

Scrooge refuses to donate to the charity men, exclaiming, “I wish to be left alone!” (8).

• Buck’s indomitable spirit is evident when he thinks, “He was beaten (he knew that); but he was not broken.” Despite being cruelly treated, Buck does not allow himself to be defeated. He quickly learns to become powerful and dominant instead.

Punctuating Introductory or

Explanatory Phrases:Use a comma to separate your own

words from the quotation when your introductory or explanatory phrase ends with a verb such as "says," "said," "thinks," "believes," “exclaims,” "recalls," "questions," and "asks."

Slice and Dice

Marley introduces Scrooge as a “covetous, old sinner” (3).

• Original Quote: During the four years since his puppyhood he had lived the life of a sated aristocrat; he had a fine pride in himself, was even a trifle egotistical, as country gentlemen sometimes become because of their insular situation.

• What I need: Before being kidnapped, Buck “lived the life of a sated aristocrat.” Buck was used to an easier, pampered lifestyle, which made it hard for him at first to embrace his primitive side.

Slice and Dice Punctuation

No comma is needed before the quote because the words melt in with your sentence. Period is outside the page #.

Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence

and a colon.

Marley introduces the reader to Scrooge: “England’s most tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge!” (3).

• The final turning point in Buck’s character development is defined by violence: “Buck stood and looked on, the successful champion, the dominant primordial beast who had made his kill and found it good.” This moment shows that Buck is willing to do whatever it takes to become the leader.

Colon Punctuation Rules

After your complete sentence introduction, place a colon before the quote. This prevents the quote from looking like it was randomly dropped in (very bad).

Period goes after page number outside of parentheses.