How To Mla Cite Plays

Mastering MLA Citation: A Comprehensive Guide to Citing Plays

Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to cite plays using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, covering various scenarios from citing complete plays to specific scenes, editions, and online sources. Understanding MLA citation for plays ensures you avoid plagiarism and demonstrate your understanding of scholarly research practices. We'll cover the basics and delve into more complex situations, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently cite any play in your work.

Understanding MLA In-Text Citations for Plays

Before diving into the specifics of different citation types, let's grasp the fundamentals of MLA in-text citations. These brief citations within your essay refer the reader to the full citation in your Works Cited page. For plays, the basic format typically includes the playwright's last name and the act, scene, and line numbers (if applicable).

• Example: (Shakespeare 3.1.145-48) This indicates a quote from Shakespeare's play, Act 3, Scene 1, lines 145-48.

Remember, always prioritize clarity and consistency. If your source uses a different numbering system (e.g., scenes are broken down further into subsections), adjust accordingly while maintaining accuracy. Punctuation is also key: note the use of periods and parentheses.

Citing Complete Plays in MLA Format

Citing a complete play in your Works Cited page follows a specific structure. The core elements remain consistent, ensuring uniformity across your bibliography.

Basic Format:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Play. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Penguin Books, 1998.

• Author's Last Name, Author's First Name: List the playwright's last name first, followed by their first name (or initials).
• Title of Play: Italicize the title of the play.
• Publisher: Include the name of the publishing house.
• Year of Publication: Provide the year the specific edition you used was published.

Variations and Considerations:

• Multiple Authors: If the play has multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page, separating each author's name with a comma. Use an ampersand (&) before the final author's name.
• Editors: If you're using an edition with an editor, include their name after the play's title, preceded by "Edited by". For example: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Bloom. Chelsea House Publishers, 2005.
• Translators: Similar to editors, if the play is a translation, include the translator's name after the title, preceded by "Translated by."
• Specific Editions: It's important to cite the specific edition you used, as different editions may have variations in text or annotations. Include details like edition number or a brief descriptor (e.g., "Second Edition").

Citing Specific Scenes or Passages in MLA

When citing a specific scene or passage within a play, you need to provide more detailed information in your in-text citation. This allows your readers to easily locate the quoted material within the play's text.

In-Text Citation Format: (Author Act.Scene.Line Numbers)

Example: The ghost's appearance sets the tone for the play's central conflict (Shakespeare 1.5.1-10).

This in-text citation shows a quote comes from Shakespeare's play, Act 1, Scene 5, lines 1-10. Always double-check your line numbers against your source to ensure accuracy. If a scene is further divided into sub-sections, incorporate those details into your citation – for instance, (Shakespeare 1.5.10.a.1-5).

The Works Cited entry remains the same as for the complete play.

Citing Plays from Anthologies or Collections

If your play is sourced from an anthology or collection of plays, your citation needs to reflect this. The structure becomes slightly more complex, including information about the anthology itself.

Works Cited Entry Format:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Play." Title of Anthology, edited by Editor's Name(s), Publisher, Year, Page Numbers.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. "Hamlet." The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt et al., W. W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 123-256.

• Note the inclusion of the anthology's title (italicized), the editor(s) name(s), and the specific page range where the play is found.

Citing Online Plays: Digital Resources and Databases

The rise of digital resources has made accessing plays easier, but citing them requires careful attention to detail. MLA guidelines necessitate including the URL and access date to ensure traceability.

Works Cited Entry Format (Online Play):

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Play. Website Name, URL, Access Date.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/1524/1524-h/1524-h.htm, 15 October 2023.

• Ensure the URL is accurate and functional.
• Include the date you accessed the online resource.

Considerations for Digital Databases:

If you access the play through a subscription database like JSTOR or EBSCOhost, provide the database name, along with the URL if available, and the access date. The specific format might vary slightly depending on the database platform – consult your database's specific guidelines if needed.

Handling Adaptations and Translations

Adaptations and translations present unique citation challenges. The approach depends on the focus of your work.

• Focus on the Adaptation/Translation: Cite the adapter or translator as the author, clearly indicating it's an adaptation or translation in your Works Cited entry.

  Example (Adaptation):

  Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman (adapted for film). Warner Bros., 1951.

• Focus on the Original Play: Cite the original playwright, but in your essay, acknowledge the adaptation or translation you used and its source.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I can’t find the publisher for an older play? A: If you can't locate the publisher, you can omit it from the citation. Prioritize including the author, title, and year of publication, if known.

Q: How do I cite a play within a play? A: You'll need to be precise in your citation. Indicate both the playwright of the play within the play and the playwright of the main play, along with the relevant act, scene, and line numbers from the main play’s text.

Q: What if my play has no page numbers? A: If your play lacks page numbers, omit that element from your Works Cited entry. However, if possible, provide any other identifying information, like act, scene, and line numbers, to help locate the source.

Q: My edition has an introduction – do I cite that separately? A: No, generally you don't need a separate citation for an introduction unless you directly quote from it extensively. Your Works Cited entry should refer to the complete play. However, you might note the editor or introduction author in your in-text citation if relevant.

Q: What about multiple editions of the same play? A: Cite the edition you actually consulted, and clearly specify the edition information (e.g., "Second Edition").

Conclusion

Mastering MLA citation for plays is a skill that enhances the credibility and impact of your academic work. By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite both complete plays and specific scenes, passages, and online resources. Always prioritize accuracy and consistency to maintain academic integrity and ensure clear communication with your readers. Remember to check with your instructor for any specific requirements they may have, but this comprehensive guide provides a strong foundation for citing plays in your research. With practice and careful attention to detail, you'll become proficient in accurately and effectively citing plays using MLA style.