Quoting Like a Boss: A Chicago Style Guide
So, you've decided to add some pizzazz to your paper by directly quoting people. Good call! Nothing says "I did my research" like dropping a bomb of someone else's brilliant words. But let's be real, Chicago style can be a real bear. Fear not, aspiring scholars, I'm here to break it down for you in a way that won't make you want to curl up in a fetal position.
Short and Sweet Quotes
For quotes that are four lines or less, it's all about the quotation marks. Just plop those bad boys around the quote, and you're halfway there. But wait, there's more! You gotta give credit where credit is due. Slip in a little parenthetical citation with the author's last name, publication year, and page number. Boom! You're a quoting champion.
Example: As Shakespeare famously said, "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (Shakespeare 1603, 3.1.57).
Long-Winded Quotes
If your quote is five lines or more, it's time to give it some space. Indent the whole quote half an inch, single-space it, and ditch the quotation marks. Think of it as giving the quote its own little VIP room. And don't forget that sneaky parenthetical citation at the end.
Example:
To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. (Shakespeare 1603, 3.1.57-64)
Ellipses: The Art of Omission
Sometimes, a quote is just too long, or you only need a snippet. That's where ellipses come in. Think of them as the snip tool for your quotes. But use them wisely! Don't omit anything that changes the meaning of the quote.
Example: *Shakespeare pondered, "To be, or not to be...that is the question" (1603, 3.1.57). *
Brackets: Your Friendly Neighborhood Clarifiers
Need to add a word or two for clarity? No problem! Enclose the extra words in brackets. Just make sure you're not changing the meaning of the quote.
Example: *Hamlet famously asks, "To be, or not to be: [that] is the question" (Shakespeare 1603, 3.1.57). *
How to...
- How to cite a direct quote in Chicago style? Include the quote in quotation marks, followed by a parenthetical citation with author, year, and page number.
- How to format a long quote in Chicago style? Indent the quote half an inch, single-space it, and place the parenthetical citation at the end.
- How to use ellipses in a Chicago style quote? Use ellipses to omit parts of a quote, but be careful not to change the meaning.
- How to add clarifications to a Chicago style quote? Use brackets to add your own words for clarity.
- How to avoid plagiarism when using direct quotes? Always cite your sources correctly and avoid overusing quotes.
Remember, quoting is an art, not a science. So have fun with it! But also, don't plagiarize. That's a big no-no.
