Introduction:

Citing sources is a fundamental part of academic research, ensuring proper credit is given to authors and maintaining intellectual integrity. When it comes to citing the works of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare, there might be some confusion about the right way to approach it. In this article, we will explore three different ways to cite Shakespeare’s works using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, a commonly used citation method in humanities research.

1. Citing Shakespeare’s Plays

When citing a play by Shakespeare, you should provide the title of the play in italics, followed by the act, scene, and line numbers, separated by periods. Consider this basic format:

Shakespeare, William. Title of Play. Act.Scene.Line(s).

For example:

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. 1.3.15-18.

2. In-Text Citations for Shakespeare

When quoting or paraphrasing from Shakespeare’s plays within your writing, you should include an in-text citation that directs readers to the corresponding entry in your Works Cited list. The in-text citation consists of the author’s last name (Shakespeare) and the act-scene-line reference.

For example:

According to Shakespeare, Macbeth laments that “life…is a tale / Told by an idiot” (5.5.26-27).

3. Citing Shakespeare’s Sonnets or Poems

When citing Shakespeare’s sonnets or other poems, use this general format:

Shakespeare, William. “Title of Sonnet/Poem.” The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, edited by John Doe, Publisher Name, Year of Publication, page number(s).

For example:

Shakespeare, William. “Sonnet 18.” The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: All 213 Plays, Poems, and Sonnets!, edited by Jane Smith, The Free Press, 1999, pp. 601-602.

Conclusion:

Citing Shakespeare’s works can be a daunting task due to the unique formatting and structure of his writing. However, by utilizing these three methods to cite Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, and poems in your academic writing, you ensure your research is properly accredited and respected. Remember that the key to proper citation is consistency in both your in-text citations and the corresponding Works Cited list entries.