The Sandwich Principle of Using Quotations

…a silly comparison to explain how to use quotes effectively for evidence and meaning…

BEFORE THE QUOTE:  (the top piece of bread)

Set up the quote with a sentence (that ends with a comma or colon…) that clarifies the CONTEXT of the quotation--where it comes from, who said it, when it was said--and states what the quotation will be showing or proving in terms of proving your point. 

IN THE MIDDLE GOES THE QUOTE (like the meat between the pieces of bread)

AFTER THE QUOTE: (the bottom piece of bread)

After the quotation, present one or more sentences that clarify the significance of the quote in terms of showing or proving your point. If the quote is working as evidence, seek to connect this evidence to your claim (or thesis). Spell it out.

THE KEY:  Don't trust the quotes to speak for themselves. 

For quotes to work effectively you need the complete sandwich.

Example of one quotation being used effectively:

        R. L. Rosenthal holds similar views on the poem.  The author agrees on the focus of aging when he writes, "The two opening poems face the shock of reaching old age head-on, as earlier poems face the bafflement of difficult love" (218).  Rosenthal agrees that Yeats is feeling inadequate and out of place as an old man, and Byzantium serves to relieve these discomforts.

Example again (but with the parts color coded):

        Set up

                Quote

        Clarification

R. L. Rosenthal holds similar views on the poem.  The author agrees on the focus of aging when he writes, "The two opening poems face the shock of reaching old age head-on, as earlier poems face the bafflement of difficult love" (218).  Rosenthal agrees that Yeats is feeling inadequate and out of place as an old man, and Byzantium serves to relieve these discomforts.

Moral:  Whenever you use a quote, present it as a whole sandwich.

For more information about using quotes, see the Thumbnail Guidelines for Using Quotations

Free Web Counter
(Since 1/12/16)