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[Socreges]

I'll give you the context:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

"Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains."

In so many words, Rousseau put forth his greatest concern. Several of his works would be inspired by this apparent flaw in civil society

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

Or something to that effect. The point is: that's the quote and I'm going to run off it like that. It's a nice way of bringing the reader into my introduction, I think.

But is it poor academia?

 

[bjork]

Yes.

 

[Socreges]

alright

What about AFTER the introduction? Like, an intro with a thesis statement and such. THEN the quote and what follows....?

 

[Kobun Heat]

If it has major importance to your paper and you are going to explain it in the first coupla paragraphs as a means of getting to your thesis statement, then sure.

The way you have it now isn't great, because you sort of skim over the quote in one sentence. Assume your reader doesn't quite get what the quote means. Explain who Rousseau is and when he lived, to help illustrate the context in which the quote was made.

Otherwise, it just looks like you're throwing a quote up at the beginning of your paper just for the hell of it.

 

[bjork]

The rest?

Your writing style is your own, so that's really up to you. Personally, even though it's not "right" per se, I'd start with the quote

 

[Socreges]

Otherwise, it just looks like you're throwing a quote up at the beginning of your paper just for the hell of it.

Looks like?

If it has major importance to your paper and you are going to explain it in the first coupla paragraphs as a means of getting to your thesis statement, then sure.

The way you have it now isn't great, because you sort of skim over the quote in one sentence. Assume your reader doesn't quite get what the quote means. Explain who Rousseau is and when he lived, to help illustrate the context in which the quote was made.

Ok, well said. I'll use the intro to introduce Rousseau, then have the quote, and a paragraph explaining it.

 

[DJ_Tet]

alright

What about AFTER the introduction? Like, an intro with a thesis statement and such. THEN the quote and what follows....?

Better. Don't start a college paper with a quote. You'll get roasted. Just stick to the traditional form.

 

[Mike Works]

Though I prefer the old quote first, context second drill, I actually do agree with most others, and think it'd look best like this;

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

"I told him that I was going to have trouble getting it in on time considering my schedule. He doesn't know what exactly that schedule was. Which is why I've got the capacity for an excuse, but it would have to be something practical if I wouldn't bother specifying it in the first e-mail."

In so many words, Socreges put forth his greatest concern. Several of his works would be inspired by this apparent flaw in plagerizing.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

 

[Socreges]

That was the old Socreges! I'm a new man now!

 

[Loki]

Though I prefer the old quote first, context second drill, I actually do agree with most others, and think it'd look best like this;

"I told him that I was going to have trouble getting it in on time considering my schedule. He doesn't know what exactly that schedule was. Which is why I've got the capacity for an excuse, but it would have to be something practical if I wouldn't bother specifying it in the first e-mail."

In so many words, Socreges put forth his greatest concern. Several of his works would be inspired by this apparent flaw in plagerizing.

:lol

Sorry Soc, that was funny.

 

[Duck of Death]

A quote can be used in the beginning if it resonates throughout the paper and strengthens your thesis. If it is just there to grab attention or some other cheap device, then it's best to cut it.

You might want to check with your professor or teaching assistant to know what they would expect from a paper. Not all professors demand traditional form and technique, but many do. Still, a quote should have meaning if it is used.

 

[Doth Togo]

Quotes are fine. However, make your thoughts more prolific. It's your paper.

 

[calder]

A quote at the front is probably not the best idea, UNLESS you're quoting something mildly cool, but mostly cheesy from the Books of the Dead or the Satanic Bible or something. A short quote from ancient Peruvian tablet would suffice if it was a vaguely creepy prophecy of doom.

Sure, fussy old "academia", ie your prof, will tut-tut in disapproval, but the shameless quoting of old shit hasn't hurt Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon or Stephen King commercially has it? And is your work for boring old critics, like say your instructor, or your real fans?






You know, there was a time when Dean Koontz was pretty much my favourite author. :lol Clive Cussler too. Couldn't get enough of them. If I was ever to reread "Strangers" I could probably nail down the exact chapter I was reading when I realized Koontz was utter shit.