Basics of Citing Poetry in MLA
When writing academically or professionally, it is essential to use valid citations accurately and correctly. When citing poetry, following the MLA citation format is a must. In MLA, citing poetry involves following a set of specific guidelines which make it easier to credit other authors correctly. This article explains how to correctly cite poetry in MLA format, with an emphasis on providing an accurate reference.
The Significance of citing Poetry
Citing poetry is important for a few reasons. Firstly, citing correctly is essential to avoid plagiarism. Accurately citing all sources of information used in a piece of writing is also essential to demonstrate that you have done your research properly and thoroughly. Similarly, citing the poem allows readers to find it and check its accuracy. Lastly, citations help readers to explore further and better understand the research conducted by the author.
MLA Format for Citing Poetry
The MLA format requires providing the name of the poet, the poem’s title, the editor, the book title, the publisher, the year of publication, the page number and the medium of publication. If the poem has been cited from an anthology, then the guidelines are slightly different. For example, the author’s name should be followed by the title of the poem, and then the editor of the anthology. After that, the name of the anthology, the publisher and the year of publication should be provided. Finally, the medium of publication should be specified.
Elements of Citing
When citing poetry, it is important to consider the elements which need to be included in the citation. For example, the author’s name should be provided. The title of the poem should be given, followed by the title of the book it is included in (if applicable). Similarly, the name of the editor should be included if the poem is part of an anthology. After that, the publisher and the year of publication should be listed. Finally, the medium of publication should be specified.
In-text Citations
In addition to citing poetry in the Works Cited page, in-text citations are also important. When citing within the text, it is important to follow specific format. The author’s name should be provided in parentheses at the end of the sentence, followed by the alliteration in quotation marks. If the author’s name is included in the sentence, it does not need to be repeated in the parentheses. Lastly, the page number should be specified at the end of the parentheses, followed by a period.
Examples of Citing Poetry in MLA
To better understand how to cite poetry according to the MLA format, here are some examples. For citing a poem from an anthology, the following format should be used: Author’s Name. “Poem’s Title.” Editor’s Name (if applicable), Book Title. Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of publication. For in-text citation, the author’s name should be followed by the page number in parentheses.
Tips for Citing Poetry
When citing poetry, it is important to ensure accuracy and precision. To properly cite poetry, make sure that all the details of the poem are provided accurately. Double-check the spelling of the author and title of the poem to make sure there are no errors. Additionally, make sure that the in-text citation accurately matches the Works Cited page.
Verification of Cited Works
Verifying that all information provided in the works cited is accurate is essential for proper citing. When citing poetry, make sure that the publication information is accurate. Additionally, it is important to check whether the quotations are accurately transcribed. To make sure that no errors are included in the work, it is important to double-check all information.
Advice from Experts
To learn how to cite poetry correctly it is important to listen to the advice of experts. Many experts suggest that the Works Cited page should be double-checked and verified. Additionally, many experts suggest that the language of the poem should be accurately conveyed in the text. Furthermore, providing accurate page numbers is also important for accuracy.
Research and Planning
When citing poetry, it is important to do research beforehand. When researching and planning, it is important to look at the different elements which need to be included in the citation. Additionally, it is important to read the poem carefully and think about how to best describe it in the essay.
Language and Voice
In addition to paying attention to the details of the poem, it is also important to think about the language and voice of the poem. When citing poetry, make sure to use language which accurately reflects the mood and tone of the poem. Additionally, it is important to use language which reflects the poem’s style and feels authentic to the reader.
Finding the Right Sources
Finding the right sources is essential for properly citing poetry. It is essential to find reliable and accurate sources of information about the poem. Additionally, it is important to be aware that not all sources provide the same information. Fact-checking is essential to make sure that a reliable source of information is used for citing.
Digital Platforms and Citing
Many poems have been published on digital platforms such as websites or blogs. If a poem is cited from a digital source, it is important to specify the medium. Additionally, the date of access should be included in the citation. It is also important to provide a link to the source when possible.
Quoting, Paraphrasing and Summarizing
When citing poetry, it is important to pay attention to how information is credited. Quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing are the three most common ways of citing information. For properly citing a poem, it is important to use all three forms accurately. Additionally, it is important to credit the author of the poem correctly.
Understanding MLA Guidelines
In order to accurately cite poetry, it is important to understand the MLA guidelines. It is essential to be aware of the elements which need to be included in the citation, as well as the structure of in-text citations. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the different types of citation styles and formats.
