How to Cite Multiple Poems by the Same Author in MLA Format
Citing multiple poems by the same author in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but with a few guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original author but also helps readers locate the source material easily. In this article, we will discuss the steps to follow when citing multiple poems by the same author in MLA format.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that MLA format requires different citation styles for poems that are published in the same book and those that are published in different books. Let’s explore both scenarios.
1. Citing multiple poems from the same book:
When citing multiple poems from the same book by the same author, you should include the author’s last name, the title of the poem, the title of the book, the edition, the publisher, and the year of publication. Here’s an example:
Smith, John. “Poem A.” “Poem B.” Collected Poems. 3rd ed. Publisher, 2020.
In this example, “Poem A” and “Poem B” are the titles of the poems, and “Collected Poems” is the title of the book. The edition, publisher, and year of publication are also included.
2. Citing multiple poems from different books:
When citing multiple poems from different books by the same author, you should include the author’s last name, the title of each poem, the title of each book, the edition, the publisher, and the year of publication. Here’s an example:
Smith, John. “Poem A.” Book A. Publisher, 2018. “Poem B.” Book B. Publisher, 2020.
In this example, “Poem A” and “Poem B” are the titles of the poems, while “Book A” and “Book B” are the titles of the books. The edition, publisher, and year of publication for each book are also included.
Remember that when citing a poem in MLA format, you should include the line numbers if they are available. This helps readers locate the specific lines you are referencing. Here’s an example:
Smith, John. “Poem A.” Collected Poems. 3rd ed. Publisher, 2020. 45-50.
In this example, the line numbers (45-50) indicate the specific lines being referenced.
In conclusion, citing multiple poems by the same author in MLA format requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent, giving proper credit to the original author and aiding readers in locating the source material.
