Accurately citing William Shakespeare’s works is crucial for literary analysis, as his plays and sonnets form the backbone of countless essays. Proper quotation preserves the original language’s rhythm and intent while adhering to standards like MLA. This guide explores techniques for integrating Shakespeare’s text seamlessly into your writing, from brief excerpts to extended passages.
Understanding Citation Fundamentals for Shakespeare’s Works
Shakespeare’s oeuvre spans 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and longer poems, each requiring specific citation approaches. Unlike modern texts, citations prioritize act, scene, and line numbers over pages, given edition variations. Italicize play titles (*Hamlet*, *Macbeth*) and use quotation marks for poems or sonnets unless specifying a particular one, where ‘Sonnet’ capitalizes.
Core rule: Parenthetical citations follow the quote, formatted as (Play Act.Scene.Line) or (Sonnet #.Line). For instance, Hamlet’s introspection appears as “To be, or not to be: that is the question” (*Hamlet* 3.1.56). This system ensures universality across editions.
Citing Plays: Verse, Prose, and Dialogue Variations
Plays mix verse (iambic pentameter) and prose, demanding tailored formatting. Verse dominates dramatic speeches, while prose suits comedy or commoners.
Short Verse Quotes (1-3 Lines)
Embed single lines in quotation marks with original punctuation. For multiple lines, use slashes (/) to denote breaks. Example: Macbeth vows, “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent” (*Macbeth* 1.7.25-26). Stanza breaks use double slashes (//).
- Preserve capitalization and archaic spellings for authenticity.
- Integrate smoothly: Lead with a comma or colon.
- Avoid altering words; use [sic] for oddities if needed.
Prose Passages in Plays
Prose lacks line divisions, so treat as standard quotes without slashes. In *The Merry Wives of Windsor*, Falstaff rants in continuous prose: “I will use such stratagems” (*Merry Wives* 2.1.200-202). Cite by act.scene.line range.
Extended Quotes: Block Formatting Essentials
Quotes exceeding three lines become block quotes: indent 1 inch (2.54 cm), no quotation marks, double-spaced in formal papers. Example from *Henry V*:
O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention.
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!(Henry V Prologue.1-4).
Right margin stays flush; citation follows closing punctuation.
Handling Dialogue Between Multiple Characters
Dialogue demands character names in FULL CAPITALS, indented 1 inch, followed by a period. Subsequent lines indent an extra 0.25 inches (hanging indent). Shift speakers to new lines at 1-inch indent.
From *Hamlet*:
HAMLET.
To be, or not to be: that is the question.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer.ROSENCRANTZ.
My lord?(Hamlet 3.1.56-58).
| Element | Formatting Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Character Name | ALL CAPS, 1″ indent, period | HAMLET. |
| First Line | Same indent as name | To be, or not to be… |
| Subsequent Lines | +0.25″ hanging indent | Whether ’tis nobler… |
| New Speaker | New line, 1″ indent | ROSENCRANTZ. |
This mirrors stage scripts, aiding readability.
Quoting Sonnets: Precision in Poetic Form
Sonnets follow Shakespearean (English) structure: 14 lines, iambic pentameter, ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme. Cite as (Sonnet #.Line) or (Sonnets #.Line) for ranges. Capitalize ‘Sonnet’ only for specifics.
Short quote: The speaker declares, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” (Sonnet 18.1). For lines 9-12:
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade, / Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st; / Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade, / When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st” (Sonnet 18.9-12).
Block quotes for 4+ lines indent without quotes, preserving volta (turn at line 9). Modern editions standardize punctuation, unlike 1609 quarto’s variability.
- Use numerals: Sonnets 1-18, not ‘one through eighteen’.
- Retain diacritics: ‘believèd’.
- Contextualize: Link to fair youth or dark lady sequences.
Advanced Techniques: Alterations and Prose Plays
Bracket changes for grammar: “[She] says” if ‘I’ confuses. Ellipses (…) omit without altering sense; avoid over-shortening.
In prose-heavy plays like *As You Like It*, no slashes needed: “All the world’s a stage” (*As You Like It* 2.7.139).
Works cited entry: Shakespeare, William. *Play Title*. Editor, edition. Publisher, year.
Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips
- Avoid page numbers: They vary; use act.scene.line.
- No quotation marks for titles: Italicize plays.
- Short essays: Summarize long speeches; quote key phrases.
- Proofread: Match edition’s spelling/punctuation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my edition lacks line numbers?
Use act.scene only, but prefer numbered editions like Folger or Riverside.
How do I cite Shakespeare from online sources?
Treat as print: (Act.Scene.Line); add URL in Works Cited if no print equiv.
APA or Chicago styles?
Adapt similarly, but MLA dominates Shakespeare studies.
Quoting shared lines?
Attribute primary speaker; note ‘together’ if choral.
Poems like *Venus and Adonis*?
Cite book.line: (*Venus* 1.5).
Master these rules to elevate your Shakespeare analyses. Practice with sample essays for fluency.
References
- How to quote and cite Shakespeare’s sonnets — ILS 121 @ SCE. 2008-07-03. https://ils121.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/how-to-quote-and-cite-shakespeares-sonnets/
- How to Cite Shakespeare in MLA — South Plains College. N.D. https://www.southplainscollege.edu/exploreprograms/artsandsciences/english/HowtoCiteShakespeareinMLA.pdf
- Quoting Shakespeare in your essay — SFU. N.D. https://www.sfu.ca/personal/budra/quoting%20Shakespeare.htm
- How to Cite Shakespeare in MLA | Format & Examples — Scribbr. 2023-10-12. https://www.scribbr.com/mla/shakespeare-citation/
- Quoting Shakespeare (poetry) in MLA style — YouTube (Purdue OWL channel implied). N.D. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T0YQv8nuqs
- Citing Sources: Shakespeare and MLA — St. Paul’s LibGuides. N.D. https://stpauls-mb.libguides.com/citations/shakespearemla
- Integrated M.A. in Applied Linguistics, University of Hyderabad
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to theskillvault, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living. Her writing and insights reflect the belief that beauty, happiness, and wellness…