Placing Quotes in a Paragraph W.8.1 W.8.2
What is a dropped quote? A dropped quote is when a writer drops a quote into a paragraph without an introduction or clarification.
This is an example of a well-written paragraph with proper quote usage: Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Speckled Band,” shows a calm demeanor when confronted by Dr. Roylott. The first incident where Holmes shows he is calm is when Roylott bursts into his office demanding information from him regarding Helen Stoner.
Instead of yelling back at Roylott, Holmes simply ignores him and says, “ It is a little cold for the time of the year.” He calmly defers to another topic all together. Another example of where Holmes does not get upset is when Roylott took the poker, bent it, and threw it into the fireplace. Holmes responded to this by saying to Watson, “He seems a very amiable person.” Once again, he does not get mad and confront Roylott. Even though Shelock Holmes had many opportunities to get upset and fire
back at Roylott, his demenor remains calm and he deflects confrontation.
This is what you are doing: In “The Speckled Band” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is a calm person. First, he shows he is calm when Dr. Roylott comes to his office and yells at him. For example, “It is a little cold for the time of the year.” Next, Holmes is calm when Roylott bends the poker. “He seems a very amiable person,” says Holmes.
You are dropping in quotes without an introduction or clarification. This is called a dropped quote. This has to Be eliminated in your writing. So, how can dropped quotes be eliminated?
Think of a sandwich. Yes, a sandwich. Bread on top Good stuff in the middle Bread on bottom
First, you have to introduce the quote. This is your top piece of bread. Second, use the quote. This is the “good stuff” in the middle of your sandwich. Third, analyze the quote. This is the bottom piece of bread
Think parts of the sandwich! Bread on top Good stuff in the middle Introduce quote Quote Bread on bottom Commentary on quote
Breaking down the sandwich from the example Bread on top: The first incident where Holmes shows he is calm is when Roylott bursts into his office demanding information from him regarding Helen Stoner.
Good stuff in the middle: Instead of yelling back at Roylott, Holmes simply ignores him and says, “It is a little cold for the time of the year.”
Bread on bottom: He calmly defers to another topic all together.
Bread on top: Another example of where Holmes does not get upset is when Roylott took the poker, bent it, and threw it into the fireplace.
Good stuff in the middle: Holmes responded to this by saying to Watson, “He seems a very amiable person.”
Bread on bottom: Once again, he does not get mad and confront Roylott.
Dig back into your “Raymond’s Run” conflict essay and sandwich your examples. Everyone should have 6 sentences when finished. Place in the tray when you have completed the assignment.