How To Cite Poetry In Mla? Easy Reference

Citing poetry in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but it’s essential to give credit to the original authors and poets. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you cite poetry in MLA style:

In-Text Citations

When citing a poem in MLA format, you’ll need to include the author’s last name and the line numbers (if available) in the in-text citation. Here are some examples:

• For a poem with a known author:
  • (Author’s Last Name line numbers) - e.g., (Frost 12-15)
  • If the poem has no line numbers, use the page number: (Frost 24)
• For a poem with an unknown author:
  • (“Poem Title” line numbers) - e.g., (“The Road Not Taken” 12-15)
  • If the poem has no line numbers, use the page number: (“The Road Not Taken” 24)
• For a poem with multiple authors (in cases like anthologies):
  • (Editor’s Last Name line numbers) - e.g., (Smith 12-15)

Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is where you’ll provide the full citation for the poem. Here’s how to structure it:

• For a poem in a collection by a single author:
  • Last Name, First Name. “Poem Title.” Collection Title, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
  • Example: Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” The Collected Poems of Robert Frost, Henry Holt and Company, 1930, pp. 12-15.
• For a poem in an anthology:
  • Last Name, First Name. “Poem Title.” Anthology Title, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
  • Example: Shakespeare, William. “Sonnet 18.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, W.W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 24-25.
• For a poem published online:
  • Last Name, First Name. “Poem Title.” Website Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
  • Example: Angelou, Maya. “Still I Rise.” Poets.org, 22 Feb. 2019, https://poets.org/poem/still-i-rise. Accessed 10 Mar. 2023.

Special Cases

• When citing a poem with a translator, include the translator’s name in the citation:
  • Last Name, First Name. “Poem Title.” Translated by Translator’s Name, Collection Title, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
  • Example: Baudelaire, Charles. “Les Fleurs du Mal.” Translated by Richard Howard, The Flowers of Evil, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1997, pp. 12-15.
• When citing a poem with no known author, use the title in the citation:
  • “Poem Title.” Collection Title, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
  • Example: “The Wanderer.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, W.W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 24-25.

Tips and Reminders

• Always check the MLA Handbook or consult with your instructor for specific guidance on citing poetry in MLA style.
• Make sure to include the line numbers or page numbers in the in-text citation, if available.
• Use title case for poem titles ( capitalize major words) and collection titles (capitalize the main words).
• For online sources, include the URL and the date of access.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to properly cite poetry in MLA format and give credit to the original authors and poets.