Sticking and Stacking A Quick lesson in using quotes appropriately in an essay.
Blending, not “Sticking” Quotes There are correct ways and there are incorrect ways to blend quotes smoothly into the context of your essay. Incorrect: “Sticking” Grendel was cruel and barbaric. “…Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/Unknowing in their beds” (44, 37-38). Better: Grendel, a cruel and barbaric monster, “…Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/Unknowing in their beds” (44, 37-38). Best: Grendel, a cruel and barbaric monster, as is shown when he burst into Herot and “Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/ Unknowing in their beds” (44, 37-38).
Blending, Not “Stacking” Quotes Incorrect: “Stacking” Grendel was cruel and barbaric. “…Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/Unknowing in their beds” (44, 37-38). “No truce, accepting no settlement, no price/ In gold or land, and paying the living/ For one crime only with another” (45, 70-72). This shows that…. Better: Unstuck and commentary between quotes Grendel, a cruel and barbaric monster, annihilates Hrothgar’s warriors. He “…Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/Unknowing in their beds” (44, 37-38). Nothing could deter Grendel from his killing spree. There was no law that could appease him: “No truce, accepting no settlement, no price/ In gold or land, and paying the living/ For one crime only with another” (45, ). Grendel’s cruelty could not be sated. Nothing the Danes offered or tried worked to stop the deadly monster. Best: Grendel, a cruel and barbaric monster, as is shown when he burst into Herot and “…Snatched up thirty men, smashed them/Unknowing in their beds” (44, 37-38). Nothing could deter Grendel from his killing spree. There was no law that could appease him: “No truce, accepting no settlement, no price/ In gold or land, and paying the living/ For one crime only with another” (45, 70-72). Grendel’s cruelty could not be sated. Nothing the Danes offered or tried worked to stop the deadly monster.