How To Cite Shakespeare In MLA Format? – A Simple Guide 

Shakespeare is one of the widely studied authors in English literature, and citing his works in academic writing is not an easy job. It is quite tricky because of the unique structure of his work, such as plays, poems, and sonnets. Unlike book citations, Shakespeare references require act, scene, and line instead of page numbers. So, whether you are citing “Macbeth,” “Hamlet,” or “Romeo and Juliet,” you need to follow the correct MLA format guidelines so that your work is free from plagiarism and credible for readers. 

In this blog, we will discuss what MLA format is, how to cite Shakespeare in MLA style, and what are some mistakes that you should avoid while quoting Shakespeare in MLA. 

Overview of MLA Format 

The MLA format, also known as the Modern Language Association, is a popular and well-known citation style that is used in fields of literature, language studies, and humanities. This citation style provides a structured way to reference the work of authors and creators in your academic work to avoid plagiarism and make your research easily verifiable for other readers. Many educational institutions follow strict academic standards, among which accurate academic sources are an important part of maintaining credibility in academic writing. 

The MLA format follows a specific order, which is as follows: 

Other details like page number, version name, and names of other contributors can also be added according to the source you are citing in your research work. 

How To Cite Shakespeare In MLA Style? 

To cite Shakespeare in MLA style, you need to follow the right rules. This citation begins with the name of the author’s last name, followed by his first name. Then comes the title of the play, which is italicized, followed by the name of the editor, the name of the publisher, and the year of publication. The location of the play, such as page numbers, is mentioned at the end of the citation. 

 Example: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by G.R. Hibbard, Oxford UP, 2008. 

Citing Shakespeare in MLA style for in-text citation requires the act, scene, and line number instead of page numbers. 

 In-Text Citation: (Shakespeare 5.2.201-204) or (Ham 1.2.322-325)

How To Cite Shakespeare Play From A Collection In MLA Style? 

This citation begins with the name of the author’s last name, followed by his first name. Then comes the title of the play, which is italicised, followed by the title of the collection. The title of the collection is also italicised since these works stand alone. Afterwards, the name of the publisher and year of publication are written along with the location of the play, such as page numbers mentioned at the end of the citation.

You can also mention important details such as a number of editions, and the name of the editor if it is available. 

 Example: Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night. The Norton Shakespeare, 3rd ed., edited by   Stephen Greenblatt, W.W. Norton, 2016, pp. 1901-1997.

In-text citation requires the act, scene, and line number instead of page numbers. 

 In-Text Citation: (Shakespeare 3.2.20-25) or (TN 3.2.20-25)

How To Cite Multiple Shakespeare Plays In MLA Format? 

To cite more than one Shakespeare play, you should include the play title in each in-text citation so that confusion can be avoided. 

 Example for In-text Citation: (Hamlet 1.3.56-60) or (Othello 2.1.120-122)

If you are citing multiple Shakespeare plays in MLA format, then you can use abbreviations after the full citation. For example, you can abbreviate Othello as Oth., King Lear as KL., and Julius Caesar as JC.  

 Example: “Men at some times are masters of their own fate” (JC.1.2.139-140). 

How To Cite Shakespeare’s Sonnets In MLA? 

To cite Shakespeare’s sonnets in MLA style, you should omit the act, scene, and line numbers and simply use the sonnet numbers and line numbers. Additionally, this citation begins with the author’s last name, followed by the first name. Then comes the title of the sonnet, which is italicised. Then, comes the name of the editor, if it is available, followed by the name of the publisher and publication date or year. 

 Example: Shakespeare, William. Shakespeare’s Sonnet. Edited by Katherine Duncan-Jones,   Arden Shakespeare, 2010. 

For in-text citations for citing Shakespeare’s sonnets in MLA style, the page numbers are replaced with sonnet numbers. 

 In-Text Citation: (Shakespeare Sonnet 17, lines 3-5) 

Quoting Shakespeare In MLA Style 

For quoting short quotes from Shakespeare in MLA style, use quotation marks and include the citation after the quote. 

 Example: Macbeth wonders, “Is this a dagger which I see before me,/The handle toward my   hand?” (Macbeth 2.1.33-34)

To quote more than four lines of Shakespeare in MLA style, use the block quote format. Start on a new line, and indent the entire quote to one inch. You should not use quotation marks, and the citation must be placed after the punctuation. 

 Example:       To be, or not to be: that is the question:                                                                                           Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer                                                                                         The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune                                                                                  Or to take arms against a sea of troubles (Hamlet 3.1.56-59)

Common Mistakes That You Should Avoid While Citing Shakespeare In MLA Style 

Here are some mistakes that you should avoid while citing Shakespeare in MLA style so that your work looks credible and professional: 

• Do not use page numbers for in-text citations for citing Shakespeare in MLA style. You have to mention the act, scene, and line numbers. 
• Play titles should always be italicized. However, sonnets and small works should be placed in quotation marks. 
• Do not forget to proofread your citations, especially for Works Cited Entry pages. Always follow the proper MLA format, punctuation, and citation guidelines in the research process. 
• If you are citing multiple plays together, then you must abbreviate the titles of plays, such as (Ham 2.2.50) instead of (Hamlet 2.2.50)
• Do not use a period after citation in block quotes. Instead of writing (Hamlet 3.1.56-59)., you should write it as (Hamlet 3.1.56-59)

Conclusion 

Learning how to cite Shakespeare in MLA style is not that easy. However, following the right guidelines and MLA rules can help you keep your citations accurate and precise. By avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes, students and researchers can easily quote Hamlet, Macbeth, and Shakespearean sonnets in their academic writing.  

Frequently Asked Questions