Embedding Formats for Literary Analysis
FORMAT A: Introduce quotations with a conversation tag (e.g., says, warns, cries, etc.). Use a comma after the tag and before
the quotation. (Note:
EX. Katniss goes on to say, “’You’re just going to have to outlive the others, Peeta’” (Collins 52).
FORMAT B: Introduce quotations with your own words that blend directly into quotations. Only use commas when
grammatically necessary. THE BEST!
EX. Peeta has “ashy blond hair that falls in waves over his face” (Collins 8) and is the male tribute from District 12.
FORMAT C: Introducing quotations with a complete sentence and a colon. Use a colon after a grammatically complete
sentence that explains what will be described in the quotation. (USE INFREQUENTLY)
EX. As Katniss rests in a tree after the first day, she finds herself reflecting on the dangers of the arena: “What chance
do I have against them? All six are there, the five Careers and Peeta, and my only consolation is they’re pretty beat-up,
too” (Collins 142).
FORMAT D: Cite dialogue between characters when you want to maintain the feeling or tension of the exchange. Do not
insert a block of conversation. Embed the 1st character’s line and then the next preserving the order of the lines, but make
sure to explain the importance of the ongoing lines. Citation goes with each line.
EX. Peeta grows nervous as the enemy approaches. He whispers, “’I think he’s closer now, Katniss. Can you shoot
him?’” (Collins 348). Katniss can clearly feel Peeta’s fear growing with every passing second, so she gently replies, “’My
last arrow is in your tourniquet” (Collins 348). Katniss consistently puts Peeta’s needs in front of her own, even in the
most dangerous situations.
FORMAT REMINDERS:
** Citation always immediately follows the quoted material no matter where it falls.
** If at the end of a sentence, end punctuation always goes AFTER CITATION.
** Citation is first word(s) of bibliography and page #(s).
** NEVER use p., pg., OR page in citation
** If you mention the author’s name in the sentence itself, you should only write the page number within the citation.
-- Ex: Collins describes Peeta as having “ashy blond hair” (8).