Citing William Shakespeare in MLA format can seem daunting, especially with the sheer volume of his work and the different editions scholars use. However, once you understand the core principles, it becomes manageable. This guide will break down how to cite Shakespeare's plays and poems in MLA, covering common scenarios.
The Basics of Citing Shakespeare
The key to citing Shakespeare effectively in MLA lies in understanding how to identify the specific text you are referencing. MLA typically requires:
- Author's Last Name: Shakespeare
- Title of the Work: Usually italicized for plays and poems.
- Publication Information: Publisher, year, etc.
- Act, Scene, and Line Numbers: This is crucial for plays, as it allows readers to find the exact passage in any edition.
Citing Shakespearean Plays
When citing a play, the most important information for readers is the act, scene, and line number. This standardized system ensures that your reference is universally understood, regardless of the specific edition you used.
In-text Citations:
The standard MLA in-text citation for a play includes the author's last name and the act, scene, and line numbers. You do not need to include the page number if you are providing act, scene, and line numbers.
- Example: (Shakespeare 3.1.15-20)
This indicates Act 3, Scene 1, lines 15 through 20. If you are quoting a single line, you would use just that line number.
- Example: (Shakespeare 1.2.45)
If you have already mentioned Shakespeare in your sentence, you can omit his name from the parenthetical citation:
- Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question" (3.1.56).
Works Cited Entries for Plays:
The Works Cited entry for a play requires more detail. The format generally follows:
Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Play. Publisher, Year of Publication.
However, for older texts like Shakespeare's, you often cite a specific edition. If you're using a well-known, scholarly edition, it's good practice to include its editor and title information.
Let's look at some common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Citing a standard, modern edition of a play.
If you're using a readily available edition, the entry might look like this:
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Bloom, Chelsea House, 2007.
Scenario 2: Citing a play from a collection or anthology.
When a play is part of a larger collection, you need to cite both the play and the collection.
Shakespeare, William. "Macbeth." The Norton Shakespeare, 3rd ed., edited by Stephen Greenblatt et al., W. W. Norton, 2016, pp. 1234-1300.
Notice the title of the anthology (The Norton Shakespeare) is italicized. The page range for the play within the collection is also included.
Scenario 3: Citing a play when the edition is critical for your argument.
If the specific notes or introductions of an edition are important to your analysis, you should mention the editor.
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2004.
Important Note on Editions: Scholars often use specific editions. If you are writing an academic paper, always check with your instructor about which edition they prefer or require. If no specific edition is mandated, choose a reputable one and cite it consistently.
Citing Shakespearean Poems
Shakespeare also wrote sonnets and narrative poems like Venus and Adonis. The citation style for these is closer to that of other poems.
In-text Citations for Poems:
For poems, you typically cite the poem's title (or a shortened version) and the line number. If you are citing a sonnet, you can refer to it by its number.
- Example (Sonnet): (Shakespeare, Sonnet 18, line 1) or ("Shall I compare thee," line 1)
Using the sonnet number is generally preferred for clarity.
- Example (Narrative Poem): (Shakespeare, Venus and Adonis lines 10-12)
Works Cited Entries for Poems:
The Works Cited entry for a poem will look more like a standard poem citation.
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Poem." Title of Collection or Book, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page numbers.
Scenario 1: Citing a sonnet from a collection.
Shakespeare, William. "Sonnet 18." The Sonnets, edited by Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 1997, p. 5.
Scenario 2: Citing a narrative poem.
Shakespeare, William. Venus and Adonis. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, edited by William George Clark and William Aldis Wright, Oxford UP, 1900, pp. 650-670.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
- Consistency is Key: Whichever edition you use, cite it consistently throughout your paper.
- Line Numbers for Plays: Always prioritize act, scene, and line numbers for plays. This is the standard for Shakespeare.
- Title Formatting: Italicize titles of standalone plays and poems. Use quotation marks for individual poems (like sonnets) if they are part of a larger collection being cited.
- Consult the MLA Handbook: For complex or unusual cases, the official MLA Handbook is your definitive resource.
- Use Citation Tools Wisely: While tools can help, always double-check their output for accuracy, especially with classical texts. For complex academic writing needs, services like EssayGazebo.com can provide professional editing and formatting to ensure your citations are perfect.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite Shakespeare in your MLA-formatted papers. Remember, clear and accurate citations not only follow academic conventions but also allow your readers to engage directly with the sources you've used, strengthening your own arguments.