Incorporating Quotes & The Art of Explication

By Yours Truly

Overview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtTZwtOhPCM

This video outlines: The two different approaches to quoting

(Peppering and Block Quotes) How to introduce a quote How to format a quote How to analyze or explicate a quote

Literary Analysis

What to include in literary analysis:1. Statements expressing the student’s own ideas about the text.2. Evidence from the text to support these ideas (either summarized,

paraphrased, or quoted).3. Analysis of how the evidence supports the student’s

interpretation.

IdeasEvidenceAnalysis/Explication

Example of the 3 Components of Literary

AnalysisPrince Edward’s descent from riches into poverty also attacks the supposed benefits of poverty. Edward, sheltered from violence all his life, is suddenly thrust into a brutally violent world. In fact, while Tom enjoys casting off his beatings onto a whipping boy (Twain 76), Edward’s initial experience of poverty is of receiving a “sounding box on the ear that sent him whirling to the roadway” (Twain 19). When Edward desperately searches for Tom’s home, expecting to find welcome relief from the cruelties he has suffered, he unexpectedly encounters more violent suffering. Not only is Edward beaten by John Canty, but he witnesses the beating of Tom’s sisters and mother as well (Twain 48). The home is associated with familial protection and love. That Edward, his mother, and sisters are attacked in such a place, and by a family member nonetheless, destroys the last sense of security and peace of the poor. Violence invades their home lives, leaving them with no escape from brutality.

When & Why to Quote

When the language in a quote is especially compelling in proving your point

Benefit: Literary analysis requires you to look closely at a text’s

language Specific support = more convincing

For example: What type of quotes would you look for if you were trying to

discuss the significance of machine imagery in Cuckoo’s Nest?

Less is more Peppering method:

Specific words Specific phrases Good for linguistic patterns

Example: While Twain’s depiction of this social inequity, through

Huckleberry Finn, is not as harsh as his portrayal in The Prince and the Pauper, there are times when the grim reality of Huck’s destitution becomes apparent. For example, his dress is described as the “cast-off clothes of full-grown men” and “rags” (Twain 51). His hat is “ a vast ruin” and his pants have “fringed legs [that] dragged in the dirt when not rolled up” (Twain 51).

Sometimes More Text is Needed

Quoting entire sentences or multiple sentences Sometimes a word or two just doesn’t cut it

Must use “sandwich” or “hamburger” method Example:

Furthermore, instead of being cast out by society, others tend to his every need. For instance, an excessive number of people dress him: “[A] shirt was taken up by the Chief Equerry in Waiting, who passed it to the First Lord of the Buckhounds, who passed it to the Second Gentleman of the Bedchamber, who passed it to the Head Ranger of Windsor Forest, who passed it to the Third Groom of the Stole…” (Twain 71). This list extends for another seven lines. Twain’s exaggeration here highlights the excess attention the wealthy receive, thus sharpening the contrast of the rejection of the poor.

Hamburger Method: Overview

Introduce

Quote

Analyze

*Hamburger Method = Evidence and Analysis (of Literary Analysis)

Literary Analysis

1. Your idea/interpretation

2. Evidence (H. method)

1. Introduce

2. Quote

Topic Sentence or development of idea in

topic sentence

3. Analysis (H. Method)

Discussion of how quote

proves your idea

Graphic Representation

Step 1: Introduce

Provide Context What is the basic scene? Under what circumstances does the quotation

appear? Is a character speaking? Which one? To whom?

Why? When? About what? How is he/she speaking?

Is this narration? If so, what is the narrator describing?

Introduce: Example

When the Holy Grail finally appears to Lancelot at a secluded chapel, he is only able to glimpse the religious vessel. For the majority of the Holy Grail episode, Lancelot remains in a dreamlike, immobile state (Context): “Whether because he was so overcome with fatigue or because he was weighed down by the sins he had committed, Lancelot did not move or react at all when the Grail appeared” (326).

Introducing TermsAdd Remark ExclaimAnnounce Reply State Comment Respond EstimateWrite Point out PredictArgue Suggest ProposeDeclare Criticize ProclaimNote Complain NoteObserve Think

Step 2: Quote

Quote using either: The Peppering Method More fluid The Block Method

Step 3: Analyze/Explicate

Your explanation of how the quote proves your idea/argument

Most important part DON’T let a quote stand for itself

Relies on assumption

Analysis/Explication: Example

(IDEA) For example in The Quest for the Holy Grail, of the Vulgate Cycle, Lancelot’s love for Guinevere prevents him from successfully completing the adventures of the Holy Grail. (INTRO TO QUOTE) When the Holy Grail finally appears to Lancelot at a secluded chapel, he is only able to glimpse the religious vessel. For the majority of the Holy Grail episode, Lancelot remains in a dreamlike, immobile state: (QUOTE)“Whether because he was so overcome with fatigue or because he was weighed down by the sins he had committed, Lancelot did not move or react at all when the Grail appeared” (326). (ANALYSIS) Interestingly, the text cites Lancelot’s “sins” as a potential cause of his stupor. His greatest sin is, of course, his affair with the married Guinevere. Thus, his love for her prevents him from securing the Holy Grail.

Your Turn!

We will practice the skills of Literary Analysis and Explication together with the worksheet I gave you.