Working with a poem as a source? Here’s a guide to citing and quoting a poem in MLA format.
Citing a poem in MLA involves using parenthetical citations and ensuring the in-text information matches the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.
Following the author-page format, you can seamlessly integrate quotes and paraphrases into your writing while properly crediting the source. Works by multiple authors, unknown authors, and those with multiple editions require specific citation guidelines that we’ll explore in detail.
Remember, accuracy and proper formatting matter when citing and quoting a poem in MLA format.
Consult the MLA Handbook and Style Manual for further guidance or specific reference questions. And don’t forget, if you need writing help, our expert writers can assist you within 2-3 hours.
Citing and Quoting a Poem in MLA Format -How to properly cite a quote in MLA format from a poem
The basic format for an in-text citation of a poem in MLA is to include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. The author’s name can be mentioned in the sentence or enclosed in parentheses, while the page number(s) should always appear in parentheses.
Here are a few examples to illustrate how to cite poems in various scenarios:
In his poem “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost reflects on the choices we make in life (19).
(Frost 19)
If you are citing multiple poems by the same author, you can include the title of the poem in your citation:
Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” emphasizes the power of optimism (4).
(Dickinson, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” 4)
If you are citing a poem from a collection or anthology, you should include the page range of the specific poem:
In “The Waste Land,” T.S. Eliot explores themes of disillusionment and despair (Eliot 25-30).
(Eliot 25-30)
Remember, these are just a few examples of how to cite poems in MLA format. The specific rules may vary depending on your source and edition. It’s always a good idea to consult the MLA Handbook for more detailed guidelines.
How to quote up to three lines of poetry:
- Use slashes (/) to indicate line breaks within the poem.
- Keep all punctuation intact as it appears in the poem
- Use quotation marks to denote the beginning and end of the quotation.
- Put the line numbers in parentheses and not page numbers.
| Poet’s Last Name | Page Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Frost | 19 |
| Eliot | 25-30 |
| Dickinson | 4 |
Citing a Poem from Print Sources in MLA
It is important to follow the MLA guidelines to ensure accurate and proper citation for print sources such as a book, magazines, scholarly journal articles, or newspapers.
- In-text citations for poems in print sources require a signal word or phrase, typically the author’s last name, followed by the page number where the poem can be found.
- If the author’s name is already mentioned in the sentence, only the page number must be provided in parentheses.
- If the author’s name is not mentioned, the author’s name and the page number should be enclosed in parentheses.
- For example, if you cite a poem from a book by a known author, the in-text citation would follow this format: (Author’s Last Name Page Number).
- If the poem is from an article or a corporate-authored work, the format would be: (Author’s Last Name Page Number).
- Page numbers should always be provided for poems in print sources, even if the poem spans multiple pages.
Here is an example of a properly formatted in-text citation for a poem from a print source:
“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility” (Wordsworth 26).
In this example, the poem is from a book by Wordsworth, and the quote can be found on page 26.
| Source Type | Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. |
| Article | Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. X, no. X, Year, pp. XX-XX. |
| Newspaper | Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Newspaper Name, Day Month Year, p. X. |
| Corporate Author | Corporate Author. Title of Work. Publisher, Year. |
Citing a Poem from Online Sources in MLA
When citing and quoting a poem in MLA format, citing online sources is essential. This is especially important in today’s digital age, where information can be found online.
The basic format for an online poem citation includes the author’s last name, the poem’s title in quotation marks, the title of the database or website in italics, the publication date, and the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
Example:
Eliot, T.S. “The Waste Land.” The Waste Land and Other Poems. Poetry Foundation, 1922, www.poetryfoundation.org.
For poems from online newspapers or magazines, the citation follows a similar format but also includes the name of the publication and the section or page number where the poem is located.
| Author | Title of Poem | Publication | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliot, T.S. | The Waste Land | Poetry Foundation | 1922 | www.poetryfoundation.org |
How to create a Works Cited Page in MLA
As you complete your research paper or essay, creating a Works Cited page is important to document all the sources you used
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a well-organized Works Cited page in MLA format.
1. Start a New Page
After the last page of your paper, begin a new page and center the title “Works Cited” at the top. Make sure the page is double-spaced throughout, including the title.
2. Format Your Entries
List your sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If there is no author, use the title of the work instead. Each entry should be flush with the left margin, with subsequent lines indented by 0.5 inches.
For books, include the author’s name, book title in italics, publisher, year of publication, and medium of publication. For articles, include the author’s name, article title in quotation marks, journal or website title in italics, volume and issue numbers, publication date, and medium of publication.
3. Follow the Correct Formatting
Remember to follow the specific formatting guidelines for different types of sources. For example, books are formatted differently from online articles. Double-check your entries for accuracy and consistency.
“The Works Cited page is your opportunity to give credit to the authors and creators of the works you referenced in your paper. By following the MLA guidelines for creating a Works Cited page, you are ensuring the integrity of your research and providing your readers with the necessary information to locate and evaluate the sources you used.”
| Book | Article |
|---|---|
| Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Penguin Classics, 2012. | Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity.” Nature, vol. 465, no. 7299, 2009, pp. 1026-1028. |
Key MLA Formatting Guidelines for Citing a Poem
When citing and quoting a poem in MLA format, it’s not just about the in-text citations and Works Cited page. The formatting of your entire paper also needs to follow MLA guidelines. Let’s take a look at some key formatting rules that you need to keep in mind.
- Heading and Title – The first thing to consider is the heading and title of your paper. Your paper should have a heading that includes your name, the instructor’s name, the course title, and the date. The title of your paper should be centred and in the title case.
- Page Numbering and Font – Pages in your paper should be numbered consecutively in the upper right corner, starting from the first page. Use a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, and set the font size to 12pt
- Margins and Line Spacing – The margins of your paper should be set to 1 inch on all sides. Double-space the entire paper, including the Works Cited page. Use consistent indents for paragraphs, typically half an inch.
- Formatting Titles – There are specific rules to follow when formatting the titles of sources, such as poems and books. Poem titles should be enclosed in quotation marks, while book titles should be italicized or underlined. Make sure to consult the MLA Handbook for specific formatting guidelines.
Remember to;
- Use parenthetical citations in the author-page format, with the author’s last name and page number(s) either in the sentence or in parentheses after the quotation or paraphrase.
- Match the in-text information with the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.
- Adhere to the specific guidelines for each source type, including the proper order of elements and formatting of titles.
- Accuracy and attention to detail in your citations are key to maintaining academic integrity and adequately crediting your sources.
Source Links
- https://alameda.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MLA-Handout-new-format-v2.pdf
- https://academics.umw.edu/writing-fredericksburg/files/2011/09/MLA.pdf
- https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sunycorning1020elec201819/chapter/mla-8th-edition/
- thestudycorp.com
How do I cite a poem in MLA format?
To cite a poem in MLA format, you need to include the poet’s last name and the line numbers in the text (e.g., Logan 5-7). If you are citing multiple poems from the same poet, you can include the poem’s title after the poet’s name (e.g., Wordsworth, “Gregory” 5-7). The basic format for an in-text citation of a poem in MLA is to include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. The author’s name can be mentioned in the sentence or enclosed in parentheses, while the page number(s) should always appear in parentheses.
What if I don’t know the line numbers?
If the poem does not have line numbers, you can use the page number instead (e.g., Wordsworth 25). Alternatively, you can use the poem’s title, but be sure to enclose it in quotation marks (e.g., Wordsworth, “Daffodils”).
How do I format the citation in the Works Cited page?
For the Works Cited page, the citation for a poem should follow this format: Last name, First name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book or Anthology (in italics or underlined), edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of publication, page range of poem.
Can I use a shortened version of the poem title in the in-text citation?
Yes, poem is long, you can use a shortened version in the in-text citation. Just make sure it is clear which poem you are referring to. You can use the first few words of the poem’s title or a keyword.
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