Citing Hamlet (Penguin Classics) in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide
Properly citing sources is crucial in academic writing, ensuring you give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism. This guide will walk you through the process of citing the Penguin Classics edition of Hamlet in MLA format, a widely used citation style in humanities disciplines. Whether you’re a student writing an essay or a researcher preparing a paper, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to cite Hamlet accurately and confidently.
Understanding MLA Citation Basics
MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes author-page number citations within the text and a corresponding Works Cited page at the end of your document. This system allows readers to easily locate the sources you’ve referenced. (MLA citation, academic writing, plagiarism prevention)
Citing Hamlet (Penguin Classics) In-Text
When referencing Hamlet within your writing, use parenthetical citations. The basic format is:
- (Shakespeare [Page Number])
For example:
- Hamlet’s famous soliloquy begins with the line, “To be, or not to be” (Shakespeare 33).
Note: If you mention the author’s name in your sentence, only include the page number in parentheses: Shakespeare explores the theme of mortality in Hamlet’s “To be, or not to be” soliloquy (33).
Creating the Works Cited Entry
Your Works Cited page should list all sources cited in your text alphabetically by the author’s last name. Here’s how to format the entry for Hamlet (Penguin Classics):
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by [Editor’s Name], Penguin Classics, [Year of Publication].
Example:
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Jennifer Wallace, Penguin Classics, 2003.
Essential Details Explained
Author: Always list the author’s last name first, followed by a comma and their first name.
Title: Italicize the title of the play (Hamlet).
Editor: If your edition has an editor, include their name after “Edited by.”
Publisher: Use “Penguin Classics” as the publisher.
Publication Year: Provide the year of the specific Penguin Classics edition you’re using. (Works Cited page, alphabetical order, citation elements)
Additional Considerations
Multiple Authors: If there are multiple editors, list them all, separated by commas.
Different Editions: If you’re using a different edition of Hamlet, adjust the citation accordingly. For example, if you’re using a Norton Critical Edition, replace “Penguin Classics” with “Norton Critical Edition.”
Online Sources: If you accessed Hamlet online through a database or website, include the URL and access date in your citation.
📝 Note: Always consult the latest MLA Handbook (9th edition) for the most up-to-date citation guidelines.
Wrapping Up
Citing Hamlet (Penguin Classics) in MLA format is straightforward once you understand the basic principles. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure your citations are accurate, complete, and compliant with MLA standards. Remember to pay attention to details like author names, titles, and publication information for precise citations.
What if I’m citing a specific act and scene in Hamlet?
+Include the act and scene numbers in your in-text citation after the page number, separated by a period. For example: (Shakespeare 33.1.2)
Do I need to include the translator’s name if I’m using a translated version of Hamlet?
+Yes, include the translator’s name after the title, followed by “trans.” For example: Hamlet, translated by John Doe, Penguin Classics, 2003.
Where can I find more information about MLA citation style?
+Refer to the official MLA Handbook (9th edition) or reputable online resources like the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) for comprehensive MLA citation guidelines.
