For example, if you are using a quote from a text by John Smith, you may write: According to Smith, “Life is beautiful. ” In Smith’s view, “Life is beautiful. ” In Smith’s words, “Life is beautiful. ”
Do not use “says” as a descriptive verb to introduce a quote, unless you are quoting from an interview. For example, if you are using a quote from a text by Hannah Arendt, you may write: Arendt remarks, “Even in the darkest of times, we have the right to expect some illumination. ” Arendt states, “Even in the darkest of times, we have the right to expect some illumination. ”
For example, you may write: Arendt points out that “totalitarianism is to be feared. ” Arendt emphasizes that “totalitarianism is to be feared. ” Arendt describes her book as “an exploration of power. ”
For example, you may write an assertion like, “Arendt does not see totalitarianism as a positive result of war. ” Or you may write an assertion like, “Hamlet argues against Rosencrantz’s claim that he lacks ambition. ”
For example, you may write: Arendt does not see totalitarianism as a positive result of war: “Totalitarianism is to be feared and loathed. ” Hamlet argues against Rosencrantz’s claim that he lacks ambition: “I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space. ”
For example, you may write: For Arendt, state sanctioned propaganda was essential totalitarian regimes, where “one could make people believe the most fantastic statements,” thereby confirming the state’s power over its citizens. Hamlet is doubtful of Rosencrantz’s view, claiming he could be “bounded in a nutshell” and still feel powerful, “a king of infinite space. ”
You can also look at your use of quotes throughout the paper to confirm they flow well. Make sure you are consistent with how you introduce quotes in the paper. Use one to two different ways to introduce quotes and stick to them so the reader can follow your train of thought.
You should also check that you italicize any titles in the lead-in. Capitalize any author names or titles in the lead-in, as well.
Place the citation at the end of the quote, if you are using in quote citations. For example, you may write: Arendt does not see totalitarianism as a positive result of war: “Totalitarianism is to be feared and loathed” (On Totalitarianism, 54). Hamlet is doubtful of Rosencrantz’s view, claiming he could be “bounded in a nutshell” and still feel powerful, “a king of infinite space” (Hamlet, 2. 2).
