Critical writing about literature is a sophisticated undertaking, especially if
the scholar is drawing not only upon his or her individual reading experience but also
upon the commentary of others. The scholar faces two substantive challenges when
using a combination of primary and secondary sources: 1) how to recognize sound,
reliable, or authoritative commentary, 2) how to blend this commentary with the writer's
own in a legitimate fashion. In addition, the writer also faces several technical
and logistical challenges in documenting the sources of sources.
Select from menu choices to the left for suggestions on to meet these
challenges.These selections provide access to an overview of important conventions of
literary scholarship. Under Documentation, you will find a review
of the standard procedures for documentation of primary and secondary sources set forth by
the Modern Language Association. Using Resources provides models
for proper inclusion of quotation and for proper use of paraphrase. Here too you
will find guideliness for evaluating potential secondary sources, as well as illustrations
of some rhetorical strategies for blending references to secondary sources with your own
observations and analysis.
updated 08/10/99
