The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely accepted format for citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When citing the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, published by Penguin Books, the citation should include the author's name, title of the play, title of the publication, editor's name (if applicable), publication city, publisher, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable).
MLA Citation for Hamlet by Penguin Books
To cite the Penguin Books edition of Hamlet, you would use the following format: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins, Penguin Books, 1982. Print. If you are citing a specific edition with an introduction or notes by an editor, it is essential to include the editor’s name.
Example with Editor
For instance, if the edition is edited by T.J.B. Spencer, the citation would be: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by T.J.B. Spencer, Penguin Books, 1996. Print. This provides a clear indication of the specific edition being referenced.
| Component | Example |
|---|---|
| Author's Last Name | Shakespeare |
| First Name | William |
| Title of Play | Hamlet |
| Editor's Name (if applicable) | T.J.B. Spencer |
| Publisher | Penguin Books |
| Year of Publication | 1996 |
| Medium of Publication |
In the case of Hamlet, as one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, accurate citation is essential for academic integrity and to facilitate further research by readers. The play's exploration of themes such as ambition, madness, and mortality continues to be a subject of scholarly interest, making precise citation practices indispensable.
Citing Specific Acts, Scenes, and Lines
When referencing specific parts of the play, the MLA style recommends using act, scene, and line numbers. For example, to cite Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, you would write: (Shakespeare 3.1.56-90). This refers to Act 3, Scene 1, lines 56 through 90.
For in-text citations, the format would typically include the author's last name and the page number(s) if the source is paginated, or the act, scene, and line numbers for plays. Since Hamlet is a well-known work, the title of the play is not necessary in the parenthetical citation unless you are discussing multiple works by the same author.
How do I cite a play like Hamlet in MLA style if it has no page numbers?
+If the edition of Hamlet you are using does not include page numbers (which is rare for printed editions but could be the case for certain digital versions), you should use the act, scene, and line numbers in your in-text citations, e.g., (Shakespeare 1.1.1-5). This format is standard for referencing plays in MLA style.
Do I need to include the editor's name when citing Hamlet from a Penguin Books edition?
+Yes, if the Penguin Books edition of Hamlet includes an introduction, notes, or any significant editorial work, it is best practice to include the editor's name in your citation to give credit for their contributions and to help readers locate the exact edition you are referencing.
In conclusion, accurately citing Hamlet from a Penguin Books edition in MLA style involves including the author’s name, the title of the play, the editor’s name (if applicable), publication details, and the medium of publication. This precise approach to citation supports academic integrity and facilitates scholarly communication.
