MLA Formatting and Citations
Many academic and scholarly papers require that a writer cite a source in their paper or project. This type of citation involves a standard set of rules known as the Modern Language Association (MLA) format which has been accepted by most educators, publishers and academic institutions.
Understanding how to correctly cite sources in a paper is important for a variety of reasons. Firstly, giving credit for publications, ideas and writing to its rightful owner shows respect and integrity. Secondly, it helps the reader to find the original source with ease. Lastly, not citing works or ideas can lead to accusations of plagiarism.
Citing Poetry Lines in MLA Format
Citing poetry lines in MLA (Modern Language Association) format can be complicated, as it depends on the type of poem you are citing. Whether it be a verse of traditional poetry, literature, or a lyric in a song, the general process remains the same.
For traditional poems – ones that have a set line count, possess a rhyme scheme and a visible stanza pattern – the format is as follows.
Firstly, include the author’s last name and page number in parentheses following the cited line. An example is c
“To be or not to be, that is the question” (Shakespeare 3).
In the case of a lyric of a song, the order of the elements is as follows.
Firstly, include the artist’s name. Secondly, include the song title in quotation marks. Thirdly, include the name of the album in italics followed by a comma. Lastly, the year of release should then be included in parentheses.
For example:
“Let it Be,” The Beatles, Let It Be (1970).
In-Text Citations for Poetry Lines
In-text citations are required to acknowledge all data, including personal thoughts, ideas, quotes and facts that have come from external sources. These sources could be from books, journals, newspapers and even a personal conversation.
In the case of citing poetry lines in MLA format, in-text citations are required. In the absence of a line number, the following format is to be used, “(Author A, line 5-7)” to show that the cited line comes from multiple lines in the poem.
Citing Poems in the Works Cited
At the conclusion of a paper, a source page known as an ‘Works Cited’ which includes all works that have been cited during the course of the paper should be created.
When citing a composed poem, the standard format is as follows. Give the author’s last name and first name, followed by the title of the poem in quotation marks. After the title, include the publication title and date of publication, with both elements in italics.
For example:
Shakespeare, William. “To Be or Not To Be.” Hamlet, Volume II, 1597.
Quoting Lines from a Poem
When quoting lines from a poem of four lines or more, highlight the quotation by setting it off in a blocked format and indenting each line an extra half-inch. An example of a blocked quotation is:
Twenty years have I been a dreaming
E’er since I first remember
Daily I toil my heart a steaming
Never knowing which way to go.
(Brown 5-8)
No quotation marks are needed in this case. Writers and academics should also take note that when quoting three lines or less of a poem, add quotation marks around the lines.
Citing Poems from Online Sources
In the case of citing a poem from an online source, the format should include the poet’s name and title of the poem, the web address of the source, followed by the date it was accessed and the name of the website.
For example:
Jackson, Sheila. “My Favorite Place.” PoetrySoup.com, PoetrySoup LLC, 2016, http://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/my_favorite_place_722153. Accessed 1 June 2020.
Researching and Documenting Sources
Before citing poetry lines in MLA, researching and accurately documenting sources is key. Documenting sources correctly takes time and expertise. Writers should thus familiarize themselves with the MLA format and seek assistance if necessary.
Copyright and Permissions
Writers and academics should exercise caution when citing poems. As works of art, poems are subject to copyright laws and therefore permission might be needed when citing lines from a poem. Authors should research who owns the copyright on the poem and contact the copyright holder for permission if necessary.
Using Citations and Bibliographies in Academic Writing
Incorporating citations and bibliographies into academic writing is encouraged as a way of recognizing the work of others, keeping track of sources and showing accuracy and integrity.
To demonstrate how citing is done, the Modern Language Association style is often used. By following the specific guidelines of MLA format, writers are able to provide appropriate and consistent ways to cite poems.
Writing with Clarity and Citing Sources
Whether it be a poem, article, book or essay, citing sources appropriately is an important aspect of academic and scholarly writing. Furthermore, writings should be clear, concise and organized.
Stringing together ideas, facts and data with relevant sources is an effective way to boost the credibility and depth of understanding of a piece. Writers should be encouraged to write thoughtfully and be aware of the power of the written word.
Effectiveness and Power of Poetry
Poetry is an effective tool for expressing emotions and delivering messages. For centuries, poetry has been used to document life experiences, delve into political issues and convey powerful stories.
Due to the power of words, poetry lines must be properly cited in order to give credit to its owner and also to show respect and integrity. By using the MLA formatting guidelines, writers are able to properly and effectively cite poetry lines.
Professional Writing and Presentations
Not only is proper citing of poetry lines essential to scholarly and academic writing, but it can also be an important skill to use in the professional field. Drawing attention to proper citation will enhance professionalism in presentations and other written media.
When taking part in a public speaking engagement or a formal event, incorporation ofpoetry is a powerful and meaningful way to engage with an audience. It is thus important to attribute every line of poetry to its rightful author.
Retaining Poetic Integrity
By properly citing poetry lines in MLA format, writers are able to show respect to authors, cite the correct source and deliver stories to their readership with integrity. In the end, proper citing of poetry lines preserve the poetic integrity and applaud the beauty of the written form.
