When citing Shakespeare’s works, such as Hamlet, in MLA format, it’s essential to understand the specific guidelines for referencing plays. Here’s a quick reference guide to help you navigate the citation process:
In-Text Citations
For in-text citations, you’ll need to include the act, scene, and line numbers, separated by periods. Since MLA 8th edition, you don’t need to include the title of the play in the in-text citation, but you can include it in the parenthetical citation if you’re referencing multiple works by the same author.
- Basic Format: (Act.Scene.Line)
- Example: (1.1.1-4) for a citation of Act 1, Scene 1, lines 1 through 4.
If you’re quoting directly from the play, make sure to include the quotation marks around the dialogue and maintain the original spelling and punctuation.
- Example of a Direct Quotation: > “To be, or not to be: that is the question” (3.1.56).
Works Cited Page
For the Works Cited page, the format varies depending on the source of the play. Here are a few scenarios:
Printed Book
- Format: Lastname, Firstname. Title of the Play. Publisher, Year of Publication.
- Example: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Oxford University Press, 1998.
eBook
If the eBook has a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), include it. If not, provide the URL.
- Format with DOI: Lastname, Firstname. Title of the Play. Publisher, Year of Publication. DOI.
- Format without DOI: Lastname, Firstname. Title of the Play. Publisher, Year of Publication. URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
- Example with DOI: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Oxford University Press, 2003. doi: 10.1093/actrade/9780198119937.book.1.
- Example without DOI: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Project Gutenberg, 2004, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1524/pg1524.html. Accessed 20 Feb. 2023.
Online Database or Website
- Format: Lastname, Firstname. Title of the Play. Original Publication Year. Title of the Database or Website, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
- Example: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. 1603. Folger Shakespeare Library, 22 Apr. 2020, www.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/hamlet. Accessed 15 Mar. 2023.
Special Considerations
- Translations: If the play is a translation, include the translator’s name after the title, preceded by “Trans.”
- Annotations or Introductions: If the edition includes significant annotations or an introduction by another author, you might want to include that information as well. For example, “Edited by Editor’s Name” after the title.
Example of a Comprehensive Citation
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992.
Conclusion
Citing Hamlet in MLA format may seem complex due to the play’s structure and the various sources through which it can be accessed. However, by following the MLA guidelines and paying close attention to the specifics of your source, you can ensure accurate and proper citation. Whether you’re referencing a printed book, an eBook, or an online database, the key is to provide enough information for your reader to locate the source easily.
