2.  The use of quotations in literary analysis is an essential tool to support, prove or highlight the point you are making. But randomly placed quotes that are not connected to the sentence before or the sentence after obstruct the flow of your paragraph. That is why you need to learn the art of blending!! With a properly blended quotation, the reader will barely notice the quote is there.

3.  By anchoring your quotation in a stem sentence and then providing the explanation in the next sentence. stem sentence  ANCHOR your quote in the stem sentence  How? In a plot point or by the character who says it.  EXPLAIN the quote in the next sentence.  Why? Because your reader does not know how this quote helps prove your thesis.

4.  When Macbeth is first introduced by the bloody Captain, he is described as a courageous soldier who, “with bloody execution” (I.2.20), fought bravely for Scotland. Blood in this instance clearly represents the courage of a soldier.  Where is the stem? Where is the explanation?

5.  However, after Macbeth kills Duncan in his sleep, he is so horrified by what he has done that he hears voices saying, “Sleep no more!” (II. 2.47). The idea that Macbeth will never sleep again emphasizes the guilt and regret that will haunt Macbeth forever.  Where is the stem? Where is the explanation?

6.  In Act I, blood symbolizes honor and courage. “What bloody man is that?”

7.  Malcolm’s last words restore hope to Scotland and return the idea of nature to what it should be. “Which would be newly planted with the time…”