How to Quote an Author in an Essay MLA
Quoting an author in an essay is an essential part of academic writing, as it allows you to support your arguments with credible sources and demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter. When using the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style, there are specific guidelines you need to follow to ensure proper quotation and citation. In this article, we will discuss how to quote an author in an essay using MLA format.
Understanding MLA Format
Before diving into the specifics of quoting an author in an essay MLA, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of MLA format. MLA format is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting academic papers established by the Modern Language Association. It is widely used in the humanities, especially in English literature, and provides guidelines for citing sources, formatting the paper, and creating a works cited list.
Quoting Directly
When you quote an author directly, you must include the following elements in your essay:
1. The author’s last name and the page number in parentheses (e.g., Smith 23).
2. The quotation itself, enclosed in quotation marks.
3. The author’s last name and page number in parentheses again at the end of the sentence or paragraph.
For example:
Smith argues that “the protagonist’s journey is a reflection of the author’s own experiences” (23).
Quoting Indirectly
When paraphrasing an author’s ideas, you must still provide a citation. The process is similar to quoting directly, but you do not use quotation marks. Instead, you include the author’s last name and page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence or paragraph.
For example:
Smith suggests that the protagonist’s journey is a metaphor for the author’s own experiences (23).
Block Quotes
A block quote is a quotation that is longer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse. When using a block quote, follow these guidelines:
1. Begin the quote on a new line, and indent the first line of the quote one inch from the left margin.
2. Do not use quotation marks.
3. Include the author’s last name and page number in parentheses after the quote.
For example:
Smith states that “the protagonist’s journey is a reflection of the author’s own experiences” (23).
Integrating Quotations into Your Writing
When incorporating quotes into your essay, it’s essential to ensure they flow naturally within the text. Avoid overusing quotes and focus on how they support your argument. Make sure to introduce the quote with a clear sentence that establishes its relevance to your topic.
Works Cited List
In MLA format, all cited sources must be listed in the works cited list at the end of your essay. Follow these guidelines when creating your works cited entry:
1. Include the author’s last name, first name, and the title of the work.
2. Provide the title of the container, if applicable.
3. Include the publication date, publisher, and other relevant information.
For example:
Smith, John. “The Protagonist’s Journey.” The Literary Review, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 23-35.
Conclusion
Quoting an author in an essay MLA is an essential skill for academic writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your quotations are accurate, properly cited, and effectively support your arguments. Remember to maintain consistency in your formatting and to consult the MLA Handbook for additional information and guidance.
