Citing Plays in Anthologies: A Comprehensive Guide for Scholars and Students

When working with literary anthologies, the proper citation of individual pieces can be crucial for academic integrity and scholarly communication. This guide provides a thorough explanation of how to cite plays within an anthology following the guidelines of the MLA Handbook, and emphasizes the correct format to ensure accurate and consistent citations.

Introduction to Citation in Anthologies

An anthology is a collection of literary works from various authors, edited and compiled into a single volume. Citing a play or any other work from such a collection requires adherence to specific rules detailed in the MLA Handbook. This guide focuses on the 9th edition of the book, which remains the authoritative source on these matters.

Key Concepts and Terminology

Before diving into the citation process, it is essential to understand some fundamental concepts:

Author: The writer of the play. Title: The name of the play by the author. Editor: The person who compiled the anthology. Collection: The anthology itself, containing multiple works. Publisher: The publishing company that released the anthology. Publishing year: The year the anthology was published.

MLA Handbook Guidelines: Citing Plays in Anthologies

The primary rule to remember is that you are citing the author of the play, not the editor of the anthology. This is crucial for academic research and writing. The correct citation format follows these steps:

Start with the author's name. Follow with the title of the play in italics. Include the page numbers (if applicable). Then cite the editor of the anthology, along with the anthology's title. Include additional information such as place of publication, publisher, and date of publication.

This format ensures that your citation is clear and precise, guiding readers directly to the specific work within the anthology.

Example Citation

Here is a step-by-step example using a hypothetical citation:

Author: Shakespeare, William Title of the Play: *Hamlet* Page Number (if needed): 45-50 Editor of the Anthology: Smith, John Title of the Anthology: *Classical Dramas* Place of Publication: London Publisher: Penguin Books Publication Year: 2018

The complete citation would look like this:

Shakespeare, William. "*Hamlet*". Classical Dramas, edited by John Smith, Penguin Books, 2018, pp. 45-50.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Author: Start by providing the name of the playwright (last name, comma, first name). Title of the Play: Next, write the title of the play in italics. If you are citing a specific scene or act, include this information in parentheses. Page Number: If your research is based on specific pages, include these after the play title (italicized) and before the other information about the anthology. Editor of the Anthology: Mention the editor of the anthology and their role in the citation. Title of the Anthology: Provide the complete title of the anthology. Publisher Information: Include the place of publication, the name of the publisher, and the year of publication.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Misidentifying the Cited Author: Always cite the original author, not the editor of the anthology. Omitting Essential Information: Ensure you include all necessary details to avoid ambiguity or confusion. Inconsistent Formatting: Adhere to the specified format to maintain consistency in your citations. Misusing Page Numbers: Use page numbers only if they are relevant to your specific needs.

Conclusion

Proper citation of plays within anthologies is essential for any academic or scholarly purpose. By following the guidelines provided by the MLA Handbook, you ensure that your citations are accurate, clear, and adherent to academic standards. Remember to always prioritize the author of the play, then provide the title, page numbers (if necessary), and the anthology's editor and title. Adhering to these practices not only enhances your research but also demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity.

Incorporating these methods into your writing will help you avoid common pitfalls and produce well-structured, viable citations that effectively communicate your research to your audience.