Embedding Quotes DO NOT! . . . use quotes to repeat the same thing you’ve written: Boxer believes that Napoleon is always correct. He says, “Napoleon is always right” (X). NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO >> Boxer believes that “Napoleon is always right” (x). Good! . . . use quotes that are very long. Use the ellipsis (. . . ) to focus on the section of the quote that makes your point. Use an ellipsis whenever a part of a sentence is omitted. Use paraphrasing to sum up a long part of the quote, then quote the important words.

Embedding Quotes DO! Provide Context - explain what’s happening. This can be very brief: Snowball suggests building a windmill to power the farm, and that it “could all be done in a year” (x) but Napoleon maintained that “the great need of the moment was to increase food production” (x-y). You can also use transitions: In the beginning, the Commandment reads, “No animal shall sleep in a bed” (X). But by the end, the animals realize it reads, “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets” (X). They blame their poor memories for the change.

Embedding Quotes Squealer’s persuasion demonstrates the intoxication of power through revisionist history presented to the animals. “The others said of Squealer that he could turn black into white” (16). Squealer is characterized, through the general opinion of his comrades, as incredibly persuasive. For this reason, he is able to use persuasion and propaganda to establish power over them. “And as to the Battle of the Cowshed, I believe the time will come when we shall find that Snowball’s part in it was much exaggerated” (55). Over time, Squealer challenges the accepted narrative of important events such as the Battle of the Cowshed. Through this tactic of revisionist history, Squealer casts former ally Snowball in a harsh light, removing him and his ideas as a potential threat to Napoleon’s goals.