MLA Style & Quotation Analysis Modern Language Association - the format of choice for the humanities: literature, language, history, philosophy, the arts, and religion vs. APA (American Psychological Association) format used for writing in the fields social sciences: psychology, sociology, nursing, social work, criminology, and business Used for quotes within texts and Works Cited list at the end of a report Check Purdue OWL for formPurdue OWL
Example of In-text Citation Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263). Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263). Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Characterization Standard CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. develop over the course of a text interact with other characters advance the plot or develop the theme
Sample Character Analysis Lennie – interactions with other people First identify purpose: Lennie is childlike and can't identify right from wrong without George's help. Second, choose quotation: “I can still tend the rabbits, George? I didn't mean no harm, George.” On page (end of chapter 3).
Quotation Sandwich
When Lennie crushes Curley's hand, he is neither certain if he did the right thing, nor does he fully care beyond what George might think. His first comment is “I can still tend the rabbits, George? I didn't mean no harm, George” (Steinbeck 64). This shows he always looks to George to know what to do. Background Quote Citation Explanation
T-BEAR T – Lennie's interactions with other characters clearly demonstrate his child-like mental state. B - E - A- Lennie's conscience is not fully developed, and he still thinks in terms of rewards and punishment. A- Steinbeck uses Lennie's fixation on the rabbits to demonstrate how simple his motivations are and how easily he might be manipulated. R- In many ways, Lennie is like George's son. } Quotation Sandwich
Final Body Paragraph Lennie's interactions with other characters clearly demonstrate his child-like mental state. When Lennie crushes Curley's hand, he is neither certain if he did the right thing, nor does he fully care beyond what George might think. His first comment is “I can still tend the rabbits, George? I didn't mean no harm, George” (Steinbeck ). This shows he always looks to George to know what to do. Lennie's conscience is not fully developed, and he still thinks in terms of rewards and punishment. Steinbeck uses Lennie's fixation on the rabbits to demonstrate how simple his motivations are and how easily he might be manipulated. In many ways, Lennie is like George's son.
Works Cited Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Viking Penguin, Print.