Why Quote Poetry MLA Format?
Quoting poetry can be tricky, as poetry often conveys more depth than traditional prose. Properly citing poems using MLA format reveals a level of care and insight when assessing the work. Doing so allows readers, both teachers and fellow students, to identify exactly which passages and techniques were used to create the poem, while preventing plagiarism and expanding understanding. Quoting poetry also helps to fully evaluate and assess the impact of the work, as it can contain multiple layers, nuances, symbolism and puns all in one short passage.
When to Quote Poetry MLA Format
When quoting poetry it is important to consider the context of the passage and why the quotation was chosen, as the presentation may have to reflect the structure of the poem and the flow of the words. Whether the poem is being compared to another one, referenced in an article or essay, or analysed in a school course, each time quoting the passage accurately is essential.
Basic MLA Format for Quoting Poetry
MLA Format for quoting poetry follows a three-step process: start with a quote, cite the work fully and explain the quote. To start with, select what part of the poem is to be quoted and follow the sentence or lines with quotation marks. Then, provide the poet’s name, a shortened version of the poem’s title and the publisher information. To explain the quote, use a few words or a few sentences and tie it to the main idea of the essay.
Enclosing Quotes in MLA Format
When quoting poetry, use single quotation marks for shorter lines and double quotation marks for longer passages, to clarify the material which is being referred to. Punctuation should always be placed after the quotation marks, as that is where the quote stops and the explanation of the quote begins.
In-Text Citations in MLA Format
When citing in text, either a note number, footnote or endnote should be placed in brackets immediately after the quotes. The numerals should correspond to the full bibliographical entry which should be included in the works cited page. Essays should also include proper in-text citations, citing the relevant lines of the poem which was used.
Quoting Complex Lines in MLA Format
Sometimes, quotes will include complex lines which come before and/or after the quote. In that case, put both of the pieces together as one whole quotation and cite the poem as a single citation in text. Shorten the title of the poem and indicate the beginning and ending where the quotation is.
Examining the Poem’s Structure in MLA Format
In assessing the poem, it is important to note the actual structure of the poem and how the line is used. Quoting poetry requires an examination of elements such as rhyming scheme, word choice, meter and syntax in order to explain the quote. Such elements can drastically change the interpretation of the poem, and are important to include as a part of quoting poetry in MLA format.
Notating the Quote in MLA Format
Sometimes it will be necessary to notate a quote. To do this, provide a title and the author, then the title of the poem in italics, the line of the poem and a commentary discussing the line’s significance. For example, in this line from a William Blake poem:
“He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy”,
it might be noted in this manner:
Blake, William. “The Human Abstract.” He who binds to himself a joy / Does the winged life destroy (4-5). The speaker is warning not to confine pleasure or tie it to an obligation as it will cease to be pleasurable.
Evaluating the Poem in MLA Format
In examining the poem, look at the figurative language, symbolism, mood and tone of the poem to truly understand the meaning. How does the speaker become the narrator? Who is being addressed in the poem? What is the speaker trying to communicate? How successful are they in doing so? All of these elements should be included within the evaluation to provide additional insight into the poem and fully explain the quote.
Making Connections in MLA Format
When quoting poetry, look for connections between texts. Has the poem been written in a similar style or tone to another text? Are there any parallels in the works which can be drawn? Does the imagery create a deeper understanding of the poem? Making connections between the poem and other works can help to fully explain a quote and provide greater insight along with empirical evidence.
Analyzing the Poem in MLA Format
The analysis of the poem should include various areas such as the title, form, structure, rhythm and so on. What is implied in the poem and what does the text suggest? Does the form of the poem have an effect on its interpretation? What relationships are created between characters, physical and emotional landscapes? An effective analysis requires an in-depth look at these areas in order to truly understand and explain the quote.
Consulting Critical Reception in MLA Format
When quoting poetry in MLA format, consider reviewing the critical reception of the work. What type of critical reception did the poem receive during its publication? Has the poem been adapted or commented upon by other poets, writers and scholars? Critical reception can provide greater insight into the poem and can give clarity to the quote being discussed.
Considering Sound and Other Devices in MLA Format
In quoting a poem, sound can be a key element which helps to understand its impact. Are there any particular sound devices which are used to create rhythm, tone and feeling? What effect do they have on the poem’s interpretation? Are there any alliterations, onomatopoeias, assonances or rhyming words? Making note of sound develops a rhetorical and semantic understanding of the poem which should be included in the quote.
Unpacking symbols in MLA Format
When quoting poetry in MLA format, it is important to look at how symbols are used within the poem. Is there a single symbol or repeated symbols which are being used? What do they represent and how are they used? Reading through the poem, look for symbols which may or may not be obvious and consider how they could alter the interpretation of the lines being quoted.
Acknowledging the Poet’s Intention in MLA Format
When quoting poetry in MLA format, acknowledging the poet’s intention is essential. What was the poet trying to portray in the poem? Why did they choose to write in this particular style? What elements of the poem create an effect on the reader? Looking at the poet’s intention can give greater insight into the text and can be used to explain and evaluate the quote.
