Citing poems correctly is crucial for academic integrity and giving proper credit to the authors whose work you're using. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different citation styles and offering helpful tips to avoid plagiarism. Whether you're citing a poem from a book, an anthology, or an online source, we've got you covered.
Understanding Citation Styles
Different academic disciplines and institutions often prefer specific citation styles. The most common are:
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Commonly used in humanities fields like literature and languages.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Frequently used in social sciences and psychology.
- Chicago/Turabian: Offers both a notes-bibliography and author-date system, often used in history and other disciplines.
Choosing the correct style is the first step to accurate citation. Your instructor or institution will specify which style to use. If unsure, always ask!
Citing Poems in MLA Style
MLA style focuses on concise in-text citations and a "Works Cited" page at the end of your paper. Here's how to cite a poem in MLA:
In-Text Citations:
For short poems (less than three lines), you can integrate the quote directly into your sentence, placing the author's last name and the page number in parentheses after the quote.
Example: Frost describes nature's beauty as "a broken-down machine" (Frost 25).
For longer quotes (three lines or more), you should format the poem as a block quote, indented one inch from the left margin, without quotation marks. The page number goes in parentheses after the last line.
Example:
Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the soil back down again. (Frost 3)
Works Cited Page:
The "Works Cited" page lists all sources used. Here’s how to format a poem citation:
Poem in a book:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Poem." Title of Book, edited by Editor's Name(s), Publisher, Year, Page numbers.
Example:
Frost, Robert. "Mending Wall." The Poetry of Robert Frost, edited by Edward Connery Lathem, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969, pp. 3-4.
Poem in an anthology:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Poem." Title of Anthology, edited by Editor's Name(s), Publisher, Year, Page numbers.
Example:
Dickinson, Emily. "Because I could not stop for Death—." The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by Thomas H. Johnson, Little, Brown and Company, 1960, pp. 226-27.
Online Poem:
Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Poem." Title of Website, Publisher, Date of Publication (if available), URL.
Example:
Hughes, Langston. "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46550/the-negro-speaks-of-rivers.
Citing Poems in APA Style
APA style uses in-text parenthetical citations and a "References" list. The format differs slightly from MLA.
In-Text Citations:
Similar to MLA, short quotes are integrated into the sentence, while longer quotes are block-quoted. The author's last name and year of publication are included in the parentheses.
Example: Nature's beauty is described as a “broken-down machine” (Frost, 1969).
References List:
The "References" list follows a different format than MLA's "Works Cited" page.
Poem in a book:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of poem. In A. A. Editor & B. B. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. pages). Publisher.
Example:
Frost, R. (1969). Mending Wall. In E. C. Lathem (Ed.), The Poetry of Robert Frost (pp. 3-4). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Online poem: APA style requires a DOI or URL if available.
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of Poem. Title of Website. URL
Key Considerations
- Accuracy: Double-check all details – author names, poem titles, publication information – to ensure accuracy.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your paper and citation list.
- Accessibility: Use a reputable source for the poem.
- Consult a Style Guide: Always refer to the most up-to-date edition of your chosen style guide for the most precise formatting rules.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite poems in your academic work, demonstrating your commitment to academic honesty and proper attribution. Remember, if you're still unsure, seeking help from your instructor or a librarian is always a good idea.
