Citing a Poem in MLA Style: A Comprehensive Guide
Citing a poem in MLA style can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, with the right guidelines and a clear understanding of the citation format, you can easily cite a poem in MLA style and avoid any plagiarism issues. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cite a poem in MLA style.
Basic MLA Citation Guidelines
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. MLA citations follow a specific format, which includes the author's name, title of the poem, title of the collection, editor's name (if applicable), publication date, and page numbers (if applicable). Here is a basic outline of the MLA citation format:
- Lastname, Firstname. Title of the Poem. Title of the Collection, edited by Firstname Lastname, Publication Date, Page Numbers.
- Lastname, Firstname. Title of the Poem, in Title of the Collection, edited by Firstname Lastname, Publication Date, Page Numbers.
Citing a Poem from a Single-Author Collection
When citing a poem from a single-author collection, you only need to include the poet's name, title of the poem, and page numbers (if applicable). Here is an example:
Whitman, Walt. "Song of Myself." Leaves of Grass, 1855, pp. 23-25.
However, if the poem does not have a title, you can use the first line of the poem as the title. For example:
Whitman, Walt. "I Sing the Body Electric." Leaves of Grass, 1855, pp. 10-12.
Citing a Poem from a Multi-Author Collection
When citing a poem from a multi-author collection, you need to include the poet's name, title of the poem, and page numbers (if applicable). Here is an example:
Plath, Sylvia. "Daddy." The Collected Poems, edited by Ted Hughes, Harper Perennial, 1981, pp. 201-203.
However, if the collection does not have an editor, you can omit the editor's name. For example:
Plath, Sylvia. "Daddy." The Collected Poems, Harper Perennial, 1981, pp. 201-203.
Citing a Poem from an Online Source
Citing a poem from an online source is similar to citing a poem from a print source. However, you need to include the URL and the date of access. Here is an example:
Whitman, Walt. "Song of Myself." Leaves of Grass, 1855,
Citing a Poem from a Book with Multiple Editions
When citing a poem from a book with multiple editions, you need to include the edition number and the publication date. Here is an example:
Plath, Sylvia. The Collected Poems, edited by Ted Hughes, 2nd ed., Harper Perennial, 1981, pp. 201-203.
However, if the edition number is not available, you can omit it. For example:
Plath, Sylvia. The Collected Poems, edited by Ted Hughes, Harper Perennial, 1981, pp. 201-203.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When citing a poem in MLA style, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Not including the page numbers (if applicable).
- Not including the publication date.
- Not using the correct title case for the title of the poem.
- Not using the correct title case for the title of the collection.
By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can easily cite a poem in MLA style and avoid any plagiarism issues.
