Understanding the Basics of Citing Shakespeare

The Importance of Appropriate Citation

When drawing from Shakespeare's works in academic or professional writing, it is crucial to accurately cite the sources. It’s not only part of the academic integrity, but it also allows readers to locate and further research your references. Shakespeare often used different versions and editions for his plays, and citation allows readers to find the exact edition you referenced. Failure to accurately cite may result in plagiarism, which can have serious consequences in the academic and professional world.

General Guidelines for Shakespeare References

When citing Shakespeare, certain universal principles apply, regardless of the citation style you're using. Firstly, the integral parts of a Shakespeare citation include the act, scene, and line numbers, preferably separated by periods. This is emblematic in the citation world as it eliminates any confusion and quickly drives the reader to the specific reference. Secondly, the title of the play should be in italics, showing the reader that it’s a standalone literary work. Lastly, the citation should include publication information, including the editor's name, the book's title, the publishing company, and the year of publication.

A Brief Overview of Citation Styles

There are multiple citation styles, and the style you choose generally depends on your academic discipline or the preference of your institution or professor. The three most common styles used to cite Shakespeare are MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago Manual of Style. All these styles have different nuances and specific guidelines, but they are designed to include vital information about a cited work. These styles organize this information in their unique ways, providing a consistent method for citing sources in academic writing.

Detailed Guide on How to Cite Shakespeare in Various Styles

Citing Shakespeare in MLA Style

In MLA formatting style, a typical citation of Shakespeare's work will look as follows: (Shakespeare. Macbeth. 5.8.15-17). In this example, the name represents the author, "Macbeth" denotes the title of the work, "5" the act number, "8" is the scene number, and "15-17" are the line numbers. Regarding a full citation for the works cited page, it would look like: "Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Simon & Schuster, 2003."

Citing Shakespeare in APA Style

A standard in-text citation in APA style might look like this: (Shakespeare, 1606/1997, 5.1.34-39). Here, "1606/1997" are publication years — the original and the edition you've used, "5" refers to the act number, "1" to the scene, and "34-39" to the lines. The full reference citation would look something like this: "Shakespeare, W. (1599/1995). Much Ado About Nothing. (B. A. Mowat & P. Werstine, Eds.). New York, NY: Washington Square Press."

Citing Shakespeare in Chicago Style

Chicago style doesn’t typically use in-text citations; rather, it uses footnotes or endnotes. A note referencing Shakespeare might look like this: "William Shakespeare, Othello, (Simon & Schuster, 2015), 1.3.15-18." The bibliography citation would appear like this: "Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015."

Tips and Tricks in Correctly Citing Shakespeare

Consistency is Key

When citing Shakespeare, or any other source, it is important to be consistent with your chosen citation style. Switching between styles can confuse your readers and make it difficult to follow your source material. Consistency applies to all parts of the citation, from the placement of the periods to whether you use italics or quotation marks around titles.

Use the Right Edition

Shakespeare's plays have been published and edited multiple times throughout the centuries. When citing one of his works, make sure to reference the exact edition you used in your research. Different editions can vary in terms of line numbers, explanatory notes, and interpretations of the text. Referencing the correct edition ensures that your readers can find the exact source you used.

Practice Proper Formatting

Proper formatting goes beyond just quoting the text correctly. It includes presenting your paper in the recommended style and adhering to the stipulated guidelines concerning margins, text alignment, indentations, and bibliography layout. Attention to these details separates professional academic work from haphazard assignments, enhancing the credibility and reliability of your paper.