1. INCORPORATING QUOTES IN LITERARY WRITING SS(Q)S Method

2. In the beginning of Book 9, Odysseus gives a monologue (long speech, he is the only one speaking) describing who he is and what dangers he has encountered. Based on his monologue to King Alcinous, how does Odysseus view himself? In your answer, cite one piece of textual evidence using the SSQS format.

3. Using Quotations  Why do you need quotes in your essay?  In literary analysis you need to use quotations to support your thesis.  You can strengthen your argument by using quotations whenever and wherever they directly support a point.  In order to use quotes, you cannot just “throw” your quotes into the paragraph; you must incorporate them correctly.

4. Using Quotations  SSS method of incorporating quotes  S = speaker  S = situation  (Q) = quote  S = Significance

5. SS(Q)S Method  Speaker – who is saying the quote  Situation – what is going on at the time the quote is being said  Quote – your concrete detail to support your thesis  Significance – how the quote proves your thesis

6. SS(Q)S Method Example: Calypso becomes upset when Hermes arrives on her island to tell her that she must let Odysseus return home. She is reluctant to let him go as she says, “If you could see it all, before you go-/all the adversity you face at the sea-/you would stay here, and guard this house, and be/immortal…” (1109). Calypso believes she can offer Odysseus a better life, yet she is forced by Zeus to let him continue his journey home.

7. SS(Q)S Method Example: Calypso becomes upset when Hermes arrives on her island to tell her that she must let Odysseus return home. She is reluctant to let him go as she says, “If you could see it all, before you go-/all the adversity you face at the sea-/you would stay here, and guard this house, and be/immortal…” (1109). Calypso believes she can offer Odysseus a better life, yet she is forced by Zeus to let him continue his journey home.

8. SS(Q)S SIGNIFICANCE  Do not say:  “The significance of this quote is…”  “This quote means…”  “This quote proves…”  Do say:  Jump right into your analysis by explaining what the quote means  Your significance may be 1-2 sentences in length

9. MLA Citations of Quotations  How do you cite quotations using MLA format? Punctuation comes AFTER the citation (parenthesis) “The strong god glittering left her as he spoke,/and now her ladyship, having given heed/to Zeus’ mandate, went to find Odysseus/in his stone seat to seaward-tear on tear/brimming in his eyes” (1108). EXAMPLE:  Exceptions – if the quote ends with a question mark or exclamation point, include the punctuation and then place a period after the parenthesis