When writing an essay about William Shakespeare's Hamlet, it is essential to properly cite the sources used in the research. One of the most commonly used citation styles in literary analysis is the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. In this article, we will explore how to simplify your essay references using MLA citation for Hamlet.
Understanding MLA Citation Style
The MLA citation style is widely used in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. It provides a set of guidelines for formatting papers, citing sources, and creating a bibliography. The MLA style is known for its simplicity and clarity, making it easy to use and understand.
MLA Citation Basics
In MLA style, citations are placed in the text, usually in parentheses, and include the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the information can be found. For example, if you are citing a quote from Hamlet, the citation would look like this: (Shakespeare 23). If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, only the page number is included in the parentheses: (23).
| Citation Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Author's Last Name | Shakespeare |
| Page Number | 23 |
| In-Text Citation | (Shakespeare 23) |
Citing Hamlet in MLA Style
When citing Hamlet in MLA style, you need to include the title of the play, the act, scene, and line numbers. For example: (Shakespeare 3.1.55-56). This citation refers to Act 3, Scene 1, lines 55-56. If you are citing a specific edition of the play, include the editor’s name and the publication information.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is a crucial element of the MLA citation style. It provides a list of all the sources used in the research, formatted according to MLA guidelines. For a book like Hamlet, the Works Cited entry would look like this:
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992.
If you are citing an e-book or an online version of the play, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL:
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), doi: 10.1007/978-1-4615-2211-6.
| Source Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992. |
| eBook | Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), doi: 10.1007/978-1-4615-2211-6. |
| Online Version | Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992, www.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/hamlet. |
Best Practices for MLA Citation
To simplify your essay references using MLA citation for Hamlet, follow these best practices:
- Use the latest edition of the MLA Handbook (8th edition) to ensure accuracy and consistency in your citations.
- Keep track of your sources and organize them in a Works Cited page.
- Use in-text citations to credit the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
- Include all necessary information, such as title, author, editor, publication date, and page numbers, to ensure that the source can be located and verified.
- Double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency to avoid errors and ensure that your essay is well-researched and credible.
What is the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook?
+The most recent edition of the MLA Handbook is the 8th edition, published in 2016.
How do I cite a quote from Hamlet in MLA style?
+To cite a quote from Hamlet in MLA style, include the author’s last name, the act, scene, and line numbers, and the page number(s) where the information can be found: (Shakespeare 3.1.55-56).
What information do I need to include in a Works Cited entry for a book like Hamlet?
+A Works Cited entry for a book like Hamlet should include the author’s name, the title of the play, the editor’s name, the publication date, and the publisher’s name: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992.
