Quotation

Definition

A quotation is a repetition of someone else's statement or thoughts, typically marked by quotation marks to indicate the exact words spoken or written. In literary contexts, quotations serve as a bridge connecting different texts, allowing for discussions about themes, ideas, and influences across various works. This practice emphasizes the interconnectedness of literature and raises questions about authorship and originality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotations are often used to support arguments or interpretations in literary analysis by providing evidence from the text.
2. The act of quoting can challenge the concept of the 'Death of the Author' by bringing external voices into the analysis and shifting focus from the author's intentions.
3. Quotations highlight how texts can resonate with each other, reflecting cultural, social, and historical influences that shape their meanings.
4. The interpretation of a quotation can vary based on its context within the original work and how it is applied in new discussions.
5. In some cases, quotations may be altered or taken out of context, leading to misinterpretations or shifts in meaning when applied in different works.

Review Questions

• How do quotations enhance intertextuality within literary studies?
  • Quotations enhance intertextuality by creating connections between different texts, allowing readers to see how they influence and inform each other. When a text includes a quotation from another work, it invites readers to consider the relationship between the two pieces and recognize shared themes or ideas. This not only enriches the reading experience but also emphasizes the collaborative nature of literature, where authors draw from and respond to their predecessors.
• In what ways does the practice of quoting challenge the notion of the 'Death of the Author' in literary analysis?
  • Quoting can challenge the 'Death of the Author' by reintroducing the author's voice into discussions about their work. While this theory suggests that an author's intentions should not dictate how their work is interpreted, quotations allow for an exploration of those intentions through their own words. By analyzing how an author's phrases are repurposed in new contexts, critics can engage with both the original work and its implications in contemporary discussions.
• Evaluate the impact of quotations on understanding themes across multiple texts in relation to intertextuality.
  • Quotations significantly impact our understanding of themes across multiple texts by establishing a dialogue between them. When a theme is articulated through quotations from various authors, it becomes clearer how different perspectives contribute to a broader conversation. This intertextuality allows readers to analyze how similar ideas are expressed in diverse contexts and appreciate the complexity of these themes as they evolve over time. Such analysis not only deepens comprehension but also highlights literature's role as a dynamic discourse shaped by various voices.

Related terms

citation: A formal reference to a source, often including information about the author, title, and publication details, which provides credit and context for the quoted material.

paraphrase: A rewording of a passage or text that captures the original meaning but uses different language, often to clarify or simplify the content.

intertextuality: The relationship between texts, where one text references or echoes another, creating layers of meaning and context that enrich both works.