1. How to Integrate Quotes in Literary Analysis
A Simple Guide

2. Be Strong
In order to make your own writing flow as smoothly as possible, it is usually best to use only an effective part of the quotation as part of your own sentences.

3. Introduce a Quotation
Never drop a quotation in your paper. You must use your own words to introduce a quotation.

4. Introduce a Quotation—Method #1
Scout realizes that Jem feels superior and that "he did not want to do anything but read and go off by himself" (Lee 138).
Atticus reveals his moral compass when he tells Jem he can "shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird" (90).

5. Integrating Quotes--Method # 2
Your introduction of the quotation, then a colon, and then the quote:
Miss Maudie confirms Atticus’ explanation of why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird: “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (90).
The quote that follows the colon must be an independent clause (complete thought).

6. Integrating quotes--Method # 3
An explanation of the quote with the quote sandwiched in between. Scout’s description of Maycomb as “a tired old town” sets the setting of the novel but also communicates her feelings toward the town (5).

7. Make Changes w/ Brackets
Quotations should fit into your argument. If punctuation, pronouns, or verb tenses do not flow, make minor changes to the quotation, surrounding them with brackets.

8. Brackets
In Thomas Jefferson’s time there was definitely a notion that "A little rebellion now and then [was] a good thing" (15).

9. Make sure you know what brackets [ ] are
These are brackets [ ]
( ) Parentheses are not brackets. They’re parentheses.
{ } These aren’t brackets. I’m not even sure what they are called.

10. Ellipses
When omitting words from within a single sentence, use only three ellipsis dots (. . . ). There should be a space between the word and the dots:
Incorrect “water. . .had”
Correct: “water had.”

11. Ellipses—Don’t change the meaning of a sentence.
"The boys ran to school, forgetting their lunches and books. Even though they were out of breath, they made it on time.”
"The boys ran to school Even though they were out of breath, they made it on time."

12. You Do the Work Do not rely on quotations to do the work for you.
You must always follow a quotation with an explanation/interpretation.
Never end a paragraph with a quotation.