How To Cite A Play Purdue Owl 2021

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23-11-2024

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Introduction: Citing plays correctly is crucial for academic integrity. This guide uses the 2021 version of the Purdue OWL guidelines to show you how to cite plays in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. Knowing how to properly cite a play, whether it's Shakespeare or a modern work, avoids plagiarism and demonstrates scholarly rigor. We'll cover different scenarios, including citing specific scenes and different editions.

MLA Format for Citing Plays (Purdue OWL 2021)

The MLA style guide provides a clear structure for citing plays. Here's how you do it:

Basic Play Citation:

• Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Play. Publisher, Year.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Penguin Books, 1998.

Citing a Specific Scene:

When you only reference a specific scene, include the act, scene, and line numbers after the title.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. 1.5.100-110. Penguin Books, 1998.

Citing an Edition with Editors:

If your play uses a specific edition with editors, you need to list the editors' names.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Bloom, Chelsea House, 2003.

In-Text Citations (MLA):

Use the author's last name and page number (or act, scene, and line numbers) in parentheses after the quote.

Example: (Shakespeare 1.5.100-110)

APA Format for Citing Plays (Purdue OWL 2021)

APA style offers a slightly different approach to citing plays.

Basic Play Citation:

• Author's Last Name, Author's First Name (Year). Title of Play. Publisher.

Example:

Shakespeare, W. (1998). Hamlet. Penguin Books.

Citing a Specific Scene (APA): While APA doesn't explicitly require act/scene/line numbers in the reference list, you must include them in your in-text citation.

Example: (Shakespeare, 1998, Act 1, Scene 5, lines 100-110)

In-Text Citations (APA):

Similar to MLA, but using the author's last name and year, along with the specific scene details.

Chicago Format for Citing Plays (Purdue OWL 2021)

Chicago style offers both notes and bibliography formats. Here are examples using the bibliography style.

Basic Play Citation:

• Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Play. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.

Example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. London: Penguin Books, 1998.

Citing a Specific Scene (Chicago): Like APA, Chicago requires act, scene, and line details in your notes.

Notes and Bibliography (Chicago): Chicago uses footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations and a bibliography for the full citation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I cite a play performed in a specific theater?

A: For a theatrical production, you need to add details such as the theater name, city, and date of performance. Contact the Purdue OWL directly for specific guidance on this.

Q: What if I'm using an online version of the play?

A: You should include the URL of the online source in your citation. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the online platform. Consult the Purdue OWL for detailed instructions.

Q: What if the play doesn't have a publisher listed?

A: If the publisher is not available, you can omit this information. However, always try to find as much information as possible, including the place of publication and a date.

Conclusion: Proper citation of plays is essential for academic honesty. Remember to consult the most up-to-date version of the Purdue OWL website for the most accurate and complete citation guidelines. While this guide provides a good starting point, always double-check the specifics based on your specific source material and citation style. Accurate citation demonstrates your scholarly competence and ensures that your work is free from plagiarism. Remember to always double-check your citations before submitting your work.