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Alexander Quotation Analysis

1. Find a published piece of writing that quotes something that “they say.”  

“Use of the term performativity should not mislead anyone to thinking that our subject positions are always chosen; as Butler (1993) maintained, “these are for the most part compulsory performances, ones which none of us choose, but which each of us is forced to negotiate” (p. 237). This is especially true for gay students who, although they may have the opportunity to “cloak” their homosexuality, are nonetheless caught in the midst of various forces that, on one hand, ask them to be honest about themselves, and on the other, disapprove of what they have to reveal.” 

How has the writer integrated the quotation into his own text? Alexander has incorporated this quote from Butler as a smooth continuation of the sentence he is writing as opposed to a block of text in the middle of a thought, disrupting the flow. He uses it to support his claim that subject positions aren’t always chosen.

How has he introduced the quotation, and what, if anything, has the writer said to explain it and tie it to his own text? Alexander introduces the quote mentioning Butler’s name, the year of the quote, and using the verb maintained. He ties it to his own piece by starting this sentence with performativity and how it shouldn’t mislead the thinking about subject positions and follows the quote with how this pertains to gay students and how they are forced to compromise.

Based on what you’ve read in this chapter, are there any changes you would suggest? This was a great example of how to incorporate and support a quote within your own text. I have no suggestions as to how this could be improved upon.