Quoting a quote within an MLA-formatted paper might seem tricky, but it's manageable with a clear understanding of the rules. This guide breaks down the process, offering practical examples and clarifying common questions.
Understanding the Basics of Nested Quotes
When you're quoting a quote (a quote within another quote), you're essentially creating a "nested" quote. This requires using different quotation marks to distinguish between the original quote and the quote you're embedding within your paper. MLA style uses single quotation marks (' ') for the internal quote and double quotation marks (" ") for the main quote.
How to Format a Nested Quote in MLA
The general structure is as follows:
"Original quote containing 'nested quote'," (Source).
Example:
Let's say you're quoting a book that includes a poem. The book states: "The poet proclaimed, 'Life is but a dream,' which resonated deeply with readers."
In your paper, you would write:
In his analysis of Romantic poetry, Smith argues that Wordsworth's famous line, "The poet proclaimed, 'Life is but a dream'," profoundly impacted his contemporaries. (Smith 123).
Explanation:
- Double Quotes: Enclose the main quote from Smith's analysis.
- Single Quotes: Enclose the internal quote, the poem line.
- Parenthetical Citation: Provides the author and page number from Smith's work, following the quote.
Handling Multiple Nested Quotes
If you need to nest multiple quotes, maintain the same pattern: double quotes for the outermost, single quotes for the next level in, and then double quotes again for the next internal quote. This alternating pattern ensures clarity. However, try to avoid excessively nested quotes as they can become difficult to read. Consider paraphrasing or summarizing parts of the text whenever possible to improve readability.
Example:
Let's say you're quoting an article that quotes someone else saying, "The professor stated, 'I believe this to be "true."'”.
Your paper would look like this:
According to the article, the speaker noted, "The professor stated, 'I believe this to be "true."' " (Jones 45).
When to Use Ellipses and Brackets
As with any quote, you can use ellipses (...) to indicate omissions within the nested quote. Brackets [ ] are used to add your own clarifying words within the quote to maintain its accuracy and overall comprehension. Remember to use these sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
Example:
Original quote: "He said, 'The meaning is... profound, and [it] cannot be easily grasped.'"
Your paper: >The author contends, "He said, 'The meaning is... profound, and [it] cannot be easily grasped.'" (Brown 78).
Emphasis on Accuracy
Remember the cardinal rule of quoting: Maintain the accuracy of the original text. Be meticulous in your transcription to avoid misrepresenting the author's ideas.
Beyond the Basics: Strategies for Effective Quoting
- Context is Key: Always provide sufficient context before and after a quote to help your reader understand its meaning and significance within your argument.
- Integration: Don't just drop quotes into your paper; seamlessly integrate them into your sentences using appropriate grammatical structures.
- Analysis: Always follow up a quote with your own analysis explaining how it supports your argument.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully and confidently incorporate nested quotes into your MLA-style papers. Remember to always double-check your work for accuracy and clarity.
