Sample Reading Response (TSIS Ch 3)

Summary:
In Chapter Three of Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein's They Say I Say, the idea of the quotation sandwich is introduced. Graff and Birkenstein devote this chapter to offer writers numerous moves that can be employed in quoting another author. The most important thing to do, they argue, is to engage the quote using the "quotation sandwich." All quotes have to be framed with an introduction and explanation; otherwise they are what they call "hit and run" quotes or "orphan" quotes. The introduction to the quote should include who is speaking and the context of the quote. The explanation or follow-up statement should explain what the quote means and how it relates to the larger claim being made in the paper. Graff and Birkenstein offer numerous templates to make this move easier.

Response:
While reading this chapter the first time, I worried that the idea of the quotation sandwich may be too simplistic or repetitive. Sometimes it is nice to imbed a quote seamlessly without having to use three steps or sentences to do so. For example, I could write something like, "One of the main ideas from Shakspeare's As You Like It is that 'all the world's a stage.'" The problem with this line is that it doesn't indicate who said this line and in what context. It also assumes that all readers read the line "all the world's a stage" in the same way. In other words, it makes the line speak for itself, which can often lead to misinterpretation of an author's point. I now ensure that I have used this move in all of my writing, every time I quote. While I may not always use three sentences or use the templates provided, I always do the move and fully engage a quote when using it in my essays.