Citing a work as iconic as Hamlet can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to following the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of citing Hamlet, specifically the Penguin Edition, to ensure that you accurately credit the Bard’s work in your academic endeavors.
Understanding MLA Style
Before we dive into the specifics of citing Hamlet, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of MLA style. The MLA Handbook is widely used in the humanities, and its citation style is designed to provide a clear and concise way to acknowledge sources.
Citing Hamlet: Penguin Edition
When citing Hamlet from the Penguin Edition, you will need to include the following elements:
- Author: William Shakespeare
- Title: Hamlet
- Editor (if applicable): The Penguin Edition of Hamlet is edited by various scholars, so be sure to include the editor’s name, if relevant.
- Publisher: Penguin Books
- Publication Date: The publication date of the edition you are using
- Page Numbers (if applicable): Include the page numbers where the referenced material can be found.
MLA Citation Format
The MLA citation format for Hamlet will depend on the type of source you are citing. Here are a few examples:
Book (Single Author)
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Penguin Books, 2015. Print.
Book (Multiple Editors)
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins and Brian Gibbons, Penguin Books, 2015. Print.
In-Text Citation
When citing Hamlet in the text, you will need to include the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the referenced material can be found. For example:
(Hamlet 2.2.10-15)
If you are citing a specific editor’s introduction or notes, you will need to include the editor’s last name and page number(s) in the in-text citation. For example:
(Jenkins 23-25)
Important Notes
📚 Note: When citing Hamlet, it's essential to use the correct edition, as different editions may have varying page numbers. Make sure to verify the publication date and editor (if applicable) to ensure accuracy.
📝 Note: If you are citing an e-book version of Hamlet, you will need to include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the citation.
Citing Specific Elements of Hamlet
When citing specific elements of Hamlet, such as a soliloquy or a character’s speech, you can include the act, scene, and line numbers in the citation. For example:
(Hamlet 3.1.55-61)
FAQ Section
What is the difference between a Works Cited page and an in-text citation?
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A Works Cited page is a comprehensive list of all the sources used in your research, while an in-text citation is a brief reference to a source within the text itself.
How do I cite a quote from Hamlet that has multiple speakers?
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When citing a quote with multiple speakers, include the names of the speakers in the in-text citation, separated by commas. For example: (Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude 1.2.1-5)
Can I cite Hamlet using a different edition than the Penguin Edition?
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Yes, you can cite Hamlet using a different edition, but make sure to verify the publication date and editor (if applicable) to ensure accuracy.
In conclusion, citing Hamlet from the Penguin Edition requires attention to detail and adherence to MLA style guidelines. By following the examples and guidelines outlined above, you will be well-equipped to accurately credit the Bard’s work in your academic endeavors.
