Understanding how to cite literary works such as Romeo and Juliet using parenthetical citation is essential for students, researchers, and academic writers. Shakespeare’s works, being classical texts, require a specific citation format that differs from modern novels or non-fiction books. Proper citation not only lends credibility to your writing but also helps readers trace the original source of your quotes or references. In academic essays and literary analysis, using parenthetical citation for Romeo and Juliet ensures you follow accepted citation standards and avoid plagiarism. This guide will provide a detailed overview of how to apply MLA-style parenthetical citations to Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.
What Is a Parenthetical Citation?
A parenthetical citation is a reference enclosed in parentheses, placed directly after a quote or paraphrased material. It allows readers to identify the source without interrupting the flow of the text. In Modern Language Association (MLA) format, which is commonly used for literature and humanities, a parenthetical citation typically includes the author’s last name and a page number. However, Shakespeare’s plays, including Romeo and Juliet, require a slightly different structure due to their format.
Why Shakespeare Plays Are Cited Differently
Shakespeare’s plays are divided into acts, scenes, and lines, not pages. Therefore, when citing from Romeo and Juliet, MLA style requires references to be given in act, scene, and line numbers rather than page numbers. This method helps maintain consistency since editions and printings of the play may differ in pagination but not in structure.
Basic Format for Citing Romeo and Juliet
When citing a quote from Romeo and Juliet in MLA format, use the following structure for parenthetical citation:
(Shakespeare Act.Scene.Lines)
For example, if you are quoting Juliet’s famous line from Act 2, Scene 2, lines 4344, the citation would look like this:
(Shakespeare 2.2.4344)
Make sure to use periods between the act, scene, and line numbers. Do not use commas or abbreviations in the citation.
Including the Author’s Name
In most essays, you only need to mention Shakespeare’s name in the parenthetical citation if you haven’t already named him in the sentence. If you do mention him, you can leave just the act, scene, and lines in the citation. For example:
- Without author’s name in sentence: Romeo declares his love, With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls (Shakespeare 2.2.66).
- With author’s name in sentence: Shakespeare shows Romeo’s impulsiveness when he says, With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls (2.2.66).
Examples of Proper Parenthetical Citation
Let’s look at different examples from Romeo and Juliet and how they should be cited in a paper using MLA format:
Single Line Quotation
Example: Romeo speaks of love’s strength: With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls (2.2.66).
Multiple Lines Quotation
When quoting more than one line of dialogue or poetry, format it as a block quote if it exceeds four lines in your text. The citation follows the final punctuation.
Juliet speaks of names and identity: What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet. (2.2.4344)
Dialogue Between Characters
If you quote dialogue between characters, include the character names in all capital letters followed by a period:
ROMEO. With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls; For stony limits cannot hold love out. (2.2.6667)
Quoting Indirectly or Paraphrasing
When you paraphrase a passage rather than quote it directly, you still need to cite the source. Here’s how it looks:
Romeo shows courage by scaling the Capulet wall just to see Juliet (2.2.6667).
Even though you aren’t using the exact words, the reference is necessary because the idea comes from the play.
How to Locate Act, Scene, and Line Numbers
Most printed editions of Romeo and Juliet include act, scene, and line numbers in the margins or headers. If you’re using an online version or digital format, you may need to search for a version that retains this formatting. These numbers are essential for accurate parenthetical citation. If they are not available, try to find a more reputable edition for academic use.
Tips for Citing Romeo and Juliet Effectively
Be Consistent
Always follow the same citation format throughout your essay. Switching between page numbers and act/scene/line formatting will confuse your readers and reduce academic credibility.
Avoid Redundancy
Don’t cite the same quote repeatedly in the same paragraph unless necessary. If you’re discussing one quote across multiple sentences, you may cite it once and then refer back to it without repeating the citation.
Use Contextual Integration
Integrate quotes smoothly into your writing. Don’t drop them without explanation. Provide analysis or commentary to show why the quote is significant to your argument.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using page numbers instead of line numbers in the citation.
- Using commas or semicolons between act, scene, and line numbers.
- Failing to include a citation for paraphrased content.
- Forgetting to italicize or underline the title of the play in your paper (e.g.,Romeo and Juliet).
When to Use Parenthetical Citation vs. In-Text Reference
If you introduce Shakespeare or Romeo and Juliet in the body of your sentence, the citation can be shortened. For example:
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare explores the conflict between love and social expectation, particularly in Juliet’s reflection that that which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet (2.2.4344).
But if you don’t mention the play title or author, you must include them in the citation:
That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet (Shakespeare 2.2.4344).
Mastering the use of parenthetical citation for Romeo and Juliet is an essential skill for academic writing, especially in literature and English studies. By citing properly, you show respect for the original author’s work and provide readers with the information they need to verify and understand your references. Remember to always use act, scene, and line numbers, be consistent with your formatting, and integrate quotes thoughtfully into your writing. These practices will not only strengthen your essays but also align with academic standards, ensuring your work is both professional and credible.