How to Cite Plays in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Theatrical Maze

How to Cite Plays in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Theatrical Maze

Citing plays in an essay can be as intricate as the plot of a Shakespearean tragedy. Whether you’re analyzing the existential angst in Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” or the romantic entanglements in Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” proper citation is crucial. This guide will walk you through the nuances of citing plays, ensuring your essay is as polished as a Broadway performance.

Understanding the Basics: MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles

The first step in citing plays is to understand the citation style required by your instructor or publication. The three most common styles are MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago/Turabian. Each has its own set of rules for citing plays, and it’s essential to adhere to these guidelines meticulously.

MLA Style

In MLA style, plays are typically cited in-text by the author’s last name and the act, scene, and line numbers. For example, if you’re quoting from “Hamlet,” your citation might look like this: (Shakespeare 3.1.64-65). The corresponding Works Cited entry would include the play’s title, the editor’s name (if applicable), the publisher, and the year of publication.

APA Style

APA style, often used in the social sciences, requires a slightly different approach. In-text citations include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number. For example: (Shakespeare, 1603/1992, p. 45). The reference list entry would include the play’s title, the translator’s name (if applicable), the publisher, and the year of publication.

Chicago Style

Chicago style, commonly used in history and the humanities, offers two citation systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. In the notes and bibliography system, you would use footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations, followed by a bibliography entry. For example: William Shakespeare, Hamlet, ed. Harold Jenkins (London: Arden Shakespeare, 1982), 3.1.64-65. The author-date system would look similar to APA style but with slight variations.

Citing Specific Editions and Translations

When citing a play, it’s important to specify the edition or translation you’re using. Different editions may have varying line numbers, and translations can significantly alter the text’s meaning. Always include the editor’s or translator’s name in your citation to give credit where it’s due.

For example, if you’re using the Norton Critical Edition of “Oedipus Rex,” your citation might look like this in MLA style: Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Translated by Robert Fagles, edited by Bernard Knox, Norton, 1984.

Citing Performances and Screen Adaptations

If you’re analyzing a live performance or a film adaptation of a play, the citation format changes. For live performances, include the director’s name, the performance date, and the theater’s location. For example: Hamlet. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 15 July 1997.

For film adaptations, include the director’s name, the film’s title, the production company, and the year of release. For example: Romeo + Juliet. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, 20th Century Fox, 1996.

Handling Multiple Citations and Quotations

When citing multiple plays or multiple quotations from the same play, clarity is key. Use abbreviations for frequently cited plays to avoid repetition. For example, you might abbreviate “Hamlet” as “Ham.” after the first full citation. Ensure that your abbreviations are consistent throughout your essay.

For multiple quotations from the same play, you can use a single citation at the end of a series of quotes, provided they are from the same act and scene. For example: (Shakespeare 3.1.64-65, 72-73, 80-81).

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake is confusing the act, scene, and line numbers. Always double-check these details, as they are crucial for accurate citation. Another pitfall is neglecting to cite the specific edition or translation, which can lead to confusion or accusations of plagiarism.

Additionally, be mindful of the difference between quoting dialogue and paraphrasing. When quoting dialogue, use quotation marks and cite the exact lines. When paraphrasing, still provide a citation to acknowledge the source of the idea.

Conclusion: The Art of Citation

Citing plays in an essay is both a science and an art. It requires attention to detail, a thorough understanding of citation styles, and a respect for the original text. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essay is not only academically sound but also a fitting tribute to the playwrights whose works you are analyzing.

Q: How do I cite a play with no act or scene numbers? A: If a play lacks act or scene numbers, cite the page number instead. For example: (Shakespeare 45).

Q: Can I use footnotes for in-text citations in MLA style? A: MLA style generally uses parenthetical in-text citations rather than footnotes. However, footnotes can be used for additional commentary or explanations.

Q: How do I cite a play that is part of an anthology? A: Cite the play as you would a chapter in a book. Include the play’s title, the anthology’s title, the editor’s name, the publisher, and the year of publication. For example: Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. The Norton Anthology of World Literature, edited by Sarah Lawall, Norton, 2002, pp. 45-90.

Q: What if I’m citing a play that has been adapted into a novel? A: Cite the novel as you would any other book, but mention in your text that it is an adaptation of a play. For example: John Smith, Hamlet: A Novel Adaptation (New York: Random House, 2020).