Introduction
Citation is a critical aspect of academic writing. It showcases the sources we used to support our arguments, ideas and research. Citing Shakespeare can be daunting, mainly because it involves different types of works, which require different citation styles. The defining feature of citing Shakespeare is to help readers find the exact source used in the paper. This guide aims to provide established guidelines for accurately citing Shakespearean works in academic writing.
The Complete Guide to Properly Citing Shakespeare in Academic Papers
Why it’s important to cite correctly
Citing correctly is essential for academic writing because it shows where the information we used is coming from. It helps us avoid plagiarism and allows readers to find and read the sources we used. Proper citation gives credibility to our research and ideas, acknowledges the work done by other authors and aids in further research.
Overview of the main citation styles used in academic writing (MLA, APA, Chicago)
There are different citation styles used in academic writing: the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Chicago style. These citation styles are common in different disciplines and outline how to format citations in papers, including works cited page, in-text citation and other citation elements.
Examples of how to cite different types of Shakespearean works using each style
Each citation style has a specific format for citing plays, poems, and other works by Shakespeare. Below are some examples:
MLA
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992.
In-text citation: (Shakespeare 2.1.23-25)
APA
Shakespeare, W. (1623). The Tragedie of Macbeth. In N. Brook, J. Bull, & S. Loughrey (Eds.), The works of William Shakespeare (pp. 101-135). Cambridge University Press.
In-text citation: (Shakespeare, 1623/1995, Act 2, Scene 1, lines 23-25)
Chicago style
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Washington Square Press, 1992.
In-text citation: (Shakespeare, Macbeth 2.1.23-25)
5 Simple Steps to Accurately Citing Shakespearean Works
Step 1: Identify the type of Shakespearean work you are citing
There are various types of Shakespeare’s works: plays, poems, sonnets, and others. It is essential to identify the exact type of work you are citing.
Step 2: Use the correct citation style for your discipline
Different disciplines prefer different citation styles. It is crucial to use the appropriate citation style recommended by your instructor or academic discipline.
Step 3: Provide relevant information about the work (title, edition, volume, act/scene/line numbers, etc.)
The essential information to include in a citation varies depending on the citation style and the type of work. Information to include may include title, author, editor, year of publication, act, scene, line number, volume, and edition.
Step 4: Format the citation correctly
Different citation styles have different formatting guidelines. Specific elements in a citation must be organized in a particular order. Be sure to consult the guidelines for your chosen citation style and type of work.
Step 5: Double-check your citation for accuracy
Before submitting your work, it is essential to proofread and verify the accuracy of the citation. This can help detect and correct mistakes that may damage the credibility of your paper.
Mastering the Art of Citations: Shakespeare Edition
Common mistakes to avoid when citing Shakespearean works
One common mistake is using abbreviations that may be unclear to readers unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s work. It is also important to avoid mixing different citation styles in one paper.
Tips for citing more complicated works (e.g. plays with multiple editions or translations)
When citing more complicated works, ensure you consult the citation style’s guidelines and the specific edition or translation you are using. Some editions of Shakespeare’s plays may use different act and scene divisions, so be sure to identify the correct citations.
How to use online tools (e.g. citation generators) effectively and responsibly
Online citation generators can be helpful, but they should only be used to supplement and verify manual citation. Be sure to review the generated citations for accuracy and format according to the citation style guidelines.
The Dos and Don’ts of Citing Shakespearean Plays and Sonnets
Do: follow the guidelines for citing the specific type of work you are using
Be sure to follow the citation guidelines laid out for the specific type of work being cited.
Do: include the original publication information for the work
Include original publication information, such as the place of publication or edition number, to give readers more information about the work.
Don’t: use abbreviations that readers may not understand
Avoid using abbreviations that could be unclear to readers unfamiliar with Shakespeare.
Don’t: mix different citation styles in the same paper
Avoid mixing different citation styles within the same paper. It is important to maintain a consistent style and format throughout.
A Beginner’s Guide to Citing Shakespeare: Tips and Tricks
Explanation of some commonly used terms (e.g. in-text citation, bibliography)
An in-text citation is a reference within the body of the paper to the source used. A bibliography is a list of sources used to support the arguments and ideas presented in the paper. They may also be referred to as a works cited or references page, depending on the citation style.
Example citations for different types of works using different styles
Here are some examples of citations for different types of Shakespearean works:
Play (MLA)
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Cyrus Hoy. Norton, 1996.
Poem (APA)
Shakespeare, W. (2016). Sonnet 18. In The Norton Anthology of English Literature (10th ed., Vol. B). W.W. Norton.
Non-English Translation (Chicago Style)
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. Translated by Tan Xiaolin. Beijing UP, 2004.
Tips for Finding Reliable Sources to Help with Citations
Seek out reliable sources, such as academic publications, for citation guidelines and rules. Additionally, many writing centers offer citation support and can provide guidance.
Avoiding Plagiarism in Shakespearean Literature: How to Cite Correctly
Definition of plagiarism and why it’s important to avoid it
Plagiarism is representing someone’s work as our own, without giving proper credit. It is crucial to avoid plagiarism in academic writing, as it is academic dishonesty that can lead to severe consequences, including expulsion from school.
Explanation of how properly citing sources can help prevent plagiarism
Citing sources provides a way of giving credit to the authors of the work we used. By citing sources, we acknowledge and give credit to the original authors, which helps to prevent plagiarism.
Tips for paraphrasing and quoting Shakespearean works correctly and ethically
Paraphrasing involves expressing the author’s ideas or work in our words while retaining the original meaning. Quoting is reproducing the author’s original words within a work. When paraphrasing or quoting Shakespearean works, it is important to ensure that the credit is given to the original author.
Citing Shakespeare: Understanding the Different Citation Styles
Comparison of the main citation styles used in academic writing
MLA style uses parenthetical citation systems, APA style uses the author-date system, and Chicago style uses either the documentary-note system or the author-date.
Examples of how to cite Shakespearean works using each style
Each citation style has specific instructions on how to format citations for different types of works, and for Shakespearean works, specific elements to include in a citation.
Pros and cons of each citation style, and factors to consider when choosing which one to use
Different citation styles have various advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of work and academic discipline. Factors to consider when choosing which citation style to use include the discipline, academic level, instructor’s preference, and the type of work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, citing Shakespearean works can be challenging for many students. This guide has provided detailed information on how to accurately cite Shakespearean works, including five simple steps, tips and tricks, and different citation styles. Properly citing sources aids in building credibility for the writer and the work and ensures academic integrity. We encourage readers to use this guide alongside their instructor’s guidelines to ensure accurate citation of Shakespearean works.
