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How to Cite a Poem in MLA

When writing a research essay, you may want to include poetry. It can be difficult to know how to cite a poem properly since it’s a particular type of resource that can be found online, in a book, or in an anthology.

This page contains everything you need to know to cite a poem in MLA style within your paper and on your reference page, as well as how to properly quote poems of different lengths within your paper. This page also contains information on creating your citations, formatting examples, and what details you need to compile before you can begin.

This guide follows rules established in the MLA Handbook , 9th edition, but is not officially associated with the Modern Language Association.

What You Need

Before you can create your poem citation, you will need to gather information on your source. If available, find:

Poet’s first and last name
Line, page number, or page range
Title of the poem
Year of the original and/or source publication
Title of the book of poetry it’s in
Title of the website it’s on
Title of the anthology it’s in
Name of the publishing company or website publisher
URL (if applicable – online sources only)
Editor(s) first and last name(s) (if applicable – anthologies only)

Citing a Poem Found Online

Since poems can come from multiple sources, there are a few basic formats you can follow to create a citation. The formatting guidelines are different depending on where you found the poem. This section contains the basic format for any poetry you found online, including if it’s a PDF from another source.

Basic format:

Poet’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Poem.” Year of poem’s original publication (if available). Title of the Website, Name of Website Publisher, URL. Accessed day month year.

Frost, Robert. “Birches.” 1969. Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44260/birches. Accessed 1 Mar. 2020.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Begin the citation with the poet’s last name, with the first letter capitalized. Follow the last name with a comma and then the poet’s first name, also with a capitalized first letter. Follow the first name with a period.
Put the title of the poem in quotation marks. Place a period after the title of the poem within the quotation marks. The title of the poem should be capitalized in title case (using capital letters only at the beginning of principal words).
Put the numerical year of the poem’s original publication. You may have to do research beyond your online source for the poem to find this information. Follow the numerical year with a period.
Put the title of the website in italics. Be sure to use title case capitalization here again. Follow the website title with a comma.
Put the name of the website publisher in normal text (not italicized), using title case capitalization. Follow with a comma.
Put the URL for your web source, without including https:// at the beginning. Follow the URL with a period.
Write the word “Accessed” (with a capital A, without the quotation marks) followed by the date you looked up the web resource. The format for the date should be: the numerical day, capitalized and spelled-out month, and full numerical year. Be sure to place a period after the year to end your citation. The date should not include commas. So, for example, if the date you accessed your web source was March 12, 2020, you would finish your citation with “Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.” The access date is supplemental and may not always need to be included.

Citing a Poem from a Book

The formatting guidelines for citing a poem from a book are different from the guidelines for citing a poem found online. Note that anthologies have their own citation format. An anthology is a collection of works from different authors. This section contains the basic guidelines for citing a poem from a book. The format for anthologies is provided in the next section.

Basic Format:

Poet’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Poem.” Title of the Book, Name of Publishing Company, Year of publication, page number or page range.

Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” Robert Frost Selected Poems, Fall River Press, 2011, p. 25.

Put the title of the book where you read the poem in italics and title case, followed by a comma.
Put the name of the publishing company in normal text (not italicized) as it is capitalized in the book, followed by a comma. This should be in title case since it is a proper noun. You do not need to include the location of the publisher.
Put the numerical year of the book’s publication (which may be different from the year of the poem’s original publication), followed by a comma.
Provide the page number(s) for the poem you are citing using “p.” or “pp.” and the page number or page range. For example, if the poem is on page 26, put p. 26. If the poem spreads across two or more pages, use “pp.” For example, if the poem is from page 26-29, put pp. 26-29. Follow the page number with a period to end your citation.

Citing a Poem from an Anthology

The guidelines for citing a poem from an anthology are different from the guidelines for citing a poem found online or even in a poetry book. An anthology is a compilation of different works from different authors or artists. The following format is for poems from an anthology.

Basic Format for a poem in an anthology:

Poet’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Poem.” Title of Anthology, edited by Editor’s First and Last Name, edition (if applicable), volume (if applicable), Publisher, year of anthology publication, page number or page range.

Drummond, William. “Life.” The Giant Book of Poetry , edited by William Roetzheim, Level4Press Inc, 2006, p. 55.

Put the title of the anthology where you found the poem in italics and title case, followed by a comma.
For two editors, separate the names with the word “and” rather than an ampersand.
For three or more editors, use commas to separate each editor’s name, using “and” only between the last two editors.
If applicable to the anthology, include the book’s edition (e.g., 4th ed.) followed by a comma.
If applicable to the anthology, include the book’s volume number (e.g., vol. 2) followed by a comma.
Put the name of the publishing company in normal text (not italicized) as it is capitalized in the anthology, followed by a comma. You do not need to include the location of the publisher.

In-Text Citations

Unlike the reference page citations, MLA in-text citations for poems are generally the same regardless of the source. The examples below follow Sections 6.22 and 6.36 from the Handbook.

For in an-text citation, all you need to provide is:

The poet’s last name
The line number(s) or page number of the poem you are referencing

(Poet’s Last Name, line(s) #-#)

(Chaucer, lines 6-10)

If you state the author’s name within the sentence, you may just include the line numbers in parentheses instead of repeating the author’s name in the in-text citation. If no line numbers for the poem exist, do not count the lines yourself. Instead, include a page number.

As stated by Chaucer, “Thoght ye to me ne do no daliance” (line 8).

Quoting Up to Three Lines of Poetry

Using a direct quote from a poem is different from making a reference to a poem within your paper. To use a direct quote, you must put it in quotation marks.

To quote anything from a partial line of poetry up to three lines of poetry, you can simply use quotations and a “/” symbol to separate the lines, with a space on either side of the slash. Following the in-text citation guidelines in the section above, place your in-text citation at the end of your quote in parentheses, after the closing quotation marks and before the period.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – / I took the one less traveled by / And that has made all the difference” (Frost, lines 18-20).

In Robert Frost’s poem, he states, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – / I took the one less traveled by / And that has made all the difference” (lines 18-20).

Quoting Four or More Lines of Poetry

If you’d like to directly quote four or more lines of poetry within your paper, you will need to follow different guidelines than the ones above for three or fewer lines of poetry. When quoting four or more lines of poetry, you will not use quotation marks. Here are more formatting guidelines:

In most cases, you will use a colon (:) at the end of the sentence before you begin your direct quote from the poem.
After the sentence introducing the quote, leave an empty line before beginning the quote.
You must separate a long quote from the rest of your paper by using a half-inch indent from the left throughout the quote.
Instead of using a “ / ” to separate the lines of poetry, try to follow the original format of the poem as closely as possible.
If a line is too long to fit across the page, use a hanging indent, so that the remainder of the line is more indented than the rest of the block quote.
Place your in-text citation in parentheses at the end of the quote, following the last period (or other punctuation) of the quote and without punctuation after the closing parentheses. If the citation will not fit on the line, add it to the following line on the right-hand side of the page.

The poem describes choices in life by using the metaphor of a fork in the road:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth; (Frost, lines 1-5)

MLA Handbook . 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.

Published October 21, 2013. Updated May 18, 2021.

Written by Grace Turney. Grace is a former librarian and has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Technology. She is a freelance author and artist.

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In-text citation for a poem can be in the following format:

If you are quoting two or three lines of a poem, the quote should be placed within double quotation marks with a slash as a line separator, with one space on either side. (Stanzas should be separated with a double slash.) The quote should be followed by the author’s last name and the line numbers within parentheses.
If the author’s name is already mentioned in text, only the line number should be inserted within parentheses next to the quotation.
If there is no line number available for the poem, page numbers can be used.

William Wordsworth wrote, “The storm came on before its time: / She wandered up and down” (lines 11-12).

If you are quoting four or more lines of a poem, your quote should be an indented block quote rather than enclosed within quotation marks.
A colon should be placed at the end of the introductory text with a blank line following it.
The full block quote should be indented a half inch throughout and match its original formatting as closely as possible.
The author’s last name and line numbers should be placed at the end of the quotation within parentheses. The end period should be placed before the source.

The author was inspired by the lines of a poem: Not blither is the mountain roe: With many a wanton stroke Her feet disperse the powdery snow, That rises up like smoke. (Wordsworth, lines 13–16)

To cite a poem or short story, include the following details: the author’s name, year published, title of the poem/story, title of the book where you located or read the poem (if applicable), book editor’s first and last name (if applicable), publisher name, and page numbers.

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How to Cite a Poem: MLA and APA Formatting Quotations

Writing, and all of its connected skills, are essential to succeed in studying — especially humanities. One such skill is the proper use of quotations. To make a quotation means to place the exact words of another author in your essay — these words could be lines from a poem as well.

When to Use Poem Quotes

When is it appropriate to cite a poem? Most often, quotes from poems are used by liberal art students, literature students, and language students. It is hard to imagine writing an essay about a poet without including some pieces of his works, or describing some poetry trend without providing examples. Also, you may find poem lines used in descriptive, reflective, argumentative, and compare and contrast essays.

Nevertheless, even if you are not a humanities student, you are not limited to use poem citations in your works if the meaning of the line(s) you have chosen is relevant. While there are no rules on where you may cite a poem, there are a lot on how you should do it in different formatting styles. Continue reading to find out more about how to cite a poem correctly or simply use professional help. Need help? You can buy custom essay at EssayPro.

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Citing Poem Quotes in MLA Style

The most popular formatting style is MLA (Modern Language Association). Despite it possibly being the easiest style to use, you will need some time to learn all of the rules, and time to train to apply them.

You might also be interested in how to style an essay using MLA FORMAT

The rules of citing a poem in MLA style depend on the citation’s length. Quotes up to three lines are considered to be short, and quotes longer than three lines – long.

Citing a Short Quote

There is no need to start a short quote on a new line; you may write it just between the text.
Though, it is obligatory to put it in quotation marks.
If question or exclamation marks are part of the poem, put them inside the quotation marks.; leave them outside if they are a part of your text.
Use a slash to mark line breaks, or a double slash if there is a stanza break; put a space before and after the slash.
Start each line of the poem with a capital letter (at the beginning and after the slash marks).

Example: In “Song of Myself”, Walt Whitman wrote, “I exist as I am, that is enough, / If no other in the world be aware I sit content, / And if each and all be aware I sit content.”

Citing a Long Quote

If you choose a long quote, some rules are just the opposite of how you would properly write a small quote — and you should be really careful not to mix them up.
Start your quotation from a new line, with a half-inch indent from the left margin.
Put it in a block quote. Include line breaks in the quote as they are in the original.
Keep the original formatting and punctuation as part of the author’s style.
Use double-space spacing inside the quote.
There is no need for quotation marks or slashes, just skip them.

Example: Emily Dickinson wrote: Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves And Immortality.

Citing the Title of the Poem

Regardless of the length of a quote, you should clearly indicate the poet’s last name. You should also include the title of the poem if you cite more than one poem by the same author in your work. You may do it in two ways: mention it before the quotation in the main text, or include it in a parenthetical citation at the end of the lines. If you mentioned the name and the title before the quote, but you’re not sure if it will be obvious for the reader, you may repeat it in a parenthetical citation — it won’t be considered as a mistake.

Besides the poet’s last name and the title of the poem, a parenthetical citation should include a line or page number. Here are some brief rules for parenthetical citations:

If a poem was published with line numbers in the margin, put the line number. Use the word “line”, or “lines”, in the first quotation of your work. Only use numbers in all of the following quotations from the same sources you’ve already quoted.

Example: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.” (Frost, lines 18-20)

If there are no line numbers in the margin, put the page number in parenthetical citation after the poet’s last name instead. Do not use a comma between the poet’s name and page number.

Example: “Your head so much concerned with outer, / Mine with inner, weather.” (Frost 126)

If you found the poem from a website, or the page numbers are not available for other reasons, don’t put any numbers at all. Leave only the poet’s last name and poem’s title (if required as mentioned above).

Example: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?” (Mary Oliver)

If you mentioned the poet’s last name and poem’s title before the citation (if required as mentioned above), and you have no lines or page number, don’t make an in-text citation after the quote at all.

Example: Here is what Pablo Neruda wrote about this feeling, “I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, / in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”

If you would like to cite the title of the poem not in a parenthetical citation, but inside your text, there are two ways to do it, and it depends on the title’s length. Short poem titles should be cited in quotation marks.

Examples: “A Book”, “Fire and Ice”, or “Nothing Gold can’t Stay”

Long poem titles should be cited in italics.

Example: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Because I could not Stop for Death.

Don't forget to write a full reference for each source you use in your Works Cited page at the end of your essay. If the poem citation was taken from a book, it should be made in the following format: Poet’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book: Subtitle (if any) , edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Edition (if given and is not first), Publisher’s Name (often shortened), Year of Publication, pp. xx-xx.

Examples: Dickinson, Emily. “A Book.” Emily Dickinson: Selected Poems , edited by Anthony Eyre, Mount Orleans Press, 2019, pp. 55-56.

If the poem citation was taken from a website, it should be made in the following format: Poet’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book: Subtitle (if any) , Edition (if given and is not first), Publisher Name (often shortened), Year of Publication, Website Name, URL. Accessed Access Date.

Example: Frost, Robert. “Fire and Ice”. Poetry Foundation , https://poetryfoundation.org/poems/44263/fire-and-ice. Accessed 28 Nov. 2019.

You may also be interested in how to write a conclusion for a research paper . This information will be useful for all kinds of student papers, whether you need just to cite a poem or write a political science essay .

How to Cite a Poem in APA Style?

APA is the abbreviation for American Psychological Association, and is the second most popular formatting style — used mainly in social studies. Here are some APA rules for poem citations that you need to know from our service:

For poem quotes up to 40 words (short quotes), using quotation marks is obligatory.
You don’t have to start a short quote from a new line.
Line breaks in short quotes should be marked by a slash.
Block citations should be used for quotes longer than 40 words (long quotes).
You have to start a block citation from a new line.
Do not use quotation marks for block citations
Block quotations should be indented 1.3 cm from the left margin, and in double-space formatting.

A Short Quote Example: Robert Frost, in his poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening , wrote: “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, / But I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep, / And miles to go before I sleep.”

A Long Quote Example: Here is how Emily Dickinson describes the meaning of a book: There is no frigate like a book To take us lands away, Nor any coursers like a page Of prancing poetry. This traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of toll; How frugal is the chariot That bears a human soul! 2019.

If your quote is taken from a book, a full reference to the source in the Works Cited page (in APA style) should be made according to the following template: Poet’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Poem title. In Editor Initial. Last Name (Ed.), Book title (pp. xx-xx). Location: Publisher.

Example: Dickinson, E. (2019). A book. A. Eyre (Ed.), Emily Dickinson: Selected Poems (pp.55-56). Cricklade, U.K.: Mount Orleans Press.

If a quotation was taken from a website, the following template should be used: Poet’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Poem title. Retrieved from http://WebAddress.

Example: Dickinson, E. (2019, November 28). I'm Nobody! Who are you? Retrieved from https://poets.org/poem/im-nobody-who-are-you-260.

Tips and Tricks on How to Cite a Poem

Here are a few recommendations on how to format poem quotations properly. They will be useful whether or not you are a beginner or advanced user of poem citations, regardless of what formatting style you are using.

Read the whole poem to be sure you understand the meaning of the citation and author’s message correctly. Then, decide which lines can be used as a quote for your work.
Write a few words about: why you chose the lines from your poem, their message, and what their connection is with your essay topic.
Do not overuse quotations in your work. You may also paraphrase, instead of quoting, in order to share other’s views. Moreover, it is your own work and you shouldn’t rely on others’ words the whole time.
There is no need to cite the entire poem if you need a few lines in the beginning and a few in the end. Omit middle lines that you don’t need (use ellipses to point out that you will skip words), or create two quotations that connect with your text between them.
Use embedded quotes. These are quotes that are implemented as a part of your sentence. You may put it at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of your sentence. The idea is to make it an organic part of your text. Example: As well as Robert Frost, at first “I hold with those who favor fire”.
When citing a specific source (periodicals or a website perhaps), check the specifics on how to cite it in MLA or another format — as there are some particularities we didn’t have time to cover.
Together with the final review of your essay, proofread your cited quotes for both: appropriate usage, and correct formatting.

As with any other skill, practice is the best way to learn the details of citing a poem; you will not only need to make one poem citation to become an expert in the matter. Though, we truly believe that you will succeed — we gave you the main rules, and shared some of the most important tips on how to cite a poem. For now, before you hone your professional skills, we are here to help you! Do not hesitate to contact our service, no matter what kind of help you need, whether it's a poem citations or physics help .

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How To Cite A Poem In MLA – Format & Examples

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Citing a poem correctly in MLA is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and crediting the original author appropriately. The citation must include a variety of components: the poet’s name, the poem’s title, publication details, line or stanza numbers, and accurate in-text citations. Navigating these guidelines can be challenging, yet they form a vital part of academic writing , maintaining transparency and guiding readers to the original work. This article provides insight into how to cite a poem in MLA format.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 How to Cite a Poem in MLA – In a Nutshell
2 Definition: MLA poem citation
3 How to cite a poem in MLA
4 How to cite a poem in MLA – In-text citation
5 How to cite a poem in MLA – Works Cited entry

How to Cite a Poem in MLA – In a Nutshell

Poems are used for various research purposes as primary and secondary sources .
MLA poem citation comprises the rules to be followed.
Proper citation is important to guide readers to the original source and avoid plagiarism.

Definition: MLA poem citation

MLA poem citation refers to the format of citing poetry sources within an MLA-formatted academic paper. Use a slash (/) to separate individual lines when quoting a poem and mention the poet’s name within the text or after the quote within parentheses. Where specified, use line numbers or page numbers to indicate the location of the quote.

The MLA Works Cited section should show a detailed description of your sources, including poetry. To cite a poem in the Works Cited area, mention the source of the poem, such as a website blog or a book.

How to cite a poem in MLA

Use quotation marks if you’re citing one line or part of a single line. When you’re quoting more than one line, MLA poem citation provides the following formats:

How to cite a poem in MLA citation using two or three lines:

A double dash marks stanza breaks on either side of the lines: The wind blows on a cold night in the middle of the desert: “The weary traveler trots on. // The moon lingers and a pair of eyes peer from the dark, / There are no winters or summers” (Peters).

How to cite a poem in MLA when quoting 4 or more lines

Peter’s poem begins with a depiction of the desert wasteland:

The critters of the night come alive at dusk When the sun goes down, a call echoes in the sands A chilling cry that mimics the draft that blows gently The moon follows the man wherever he goes

How to cite a poem in MLA – In-text citation

When generating MLA poem citation within the text, state the writer’s last name in line with the Works Cited page. Clearly indicate the title of each poem by the same author.

How to cite a poem in MLA with numbered lines:

“Where does the sun go to when the moon arrives / What is night and day?” (Jane, lines 21-24).

How to cite a poem in MLA published on several pages:

“For all the days he went away / The children only saw his shadow / He stopped and smiled, and they ran off” (Anyika 127).

How to cite a poem in MLA for consecutive citations

The third stanza begins with a loud voice commanding, “Come here at once, step into the enclave of my sorrows / Only the brave dare to breathe my air” (Foster, lines 12-14). The “obscurity of the wishes of men” (32) described in the upcoming lines can be viewed as the central pillar of the poem.

How to cite a poem in MLA – Works Cited entry

For poetry sources, use quotation marks to state the poem’s title preceded by the name of the poet. Use the various formats as follows:

Poem in a book

Poem in an anthology.

How to cite a poem in MLA where a poem is included in an edited series:

Use the format above but include the editors’ names.

Poem on a website

For poems sourced from websites, state the website’s name and URL. Include the date of publishing if it is known, or use the date of access if you can’t find the publishing date.

How is a poem cited in the text in MLA?

Poems are cited in MLA style by including details such as the poet’s name, publication date, and the source’s name. There are several rules when citing poems from books, websites, and other sources.

What is a block quote in MLA poem citation?

A block quote is a quotation of more than 4 lines in a poetry source. It is introduced by a sentence and is usually indented from the margin.

When should I include a line number in a poem?

Line numbers should be written for in-text poem citations. Use the introductory word “line” to illustrate the line number.

Can I count lines manually when citing a poem?

You should not count the lines manually where lines don’t have numbering. State the page numbers instead.

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Quoting and Citing a Poem in MLA: Tips, Steps, and Insights

You are in the right place if you have been struggling online trying to discover how to quote and cite a poem in an MLA essay. You might have heard your professor say that quoting a poem in MLA means introducing the quote and using quotation marks, as you would for any other source. But how do you do that correctly when the quote includes line breaks? Let us look at this comprehensive guide to citing a poem in an MLA paper.

In this post, you will discover all the information you need to know to quote and cite poems correctly as per the MLA stylebook.

When to Quote a Poem

Before you learn how to quote and cite a poem, it is vital to learn when it is necessary to do so. You should only quote a poem in your essay:

1. When Absolutely Necessary

You should only quote a poem in your essay when it is necessary. Quoting lines upon lines of a poem in your essay to boost the word count will not do you much good.

Most professors will be annoyed when they notice you have done this in your essay. And this usually leads only to an average or lower grade. Therefore, quote a poem only when absolutely necessary.

You will know it is necessary to quote a poem when quoting a poem adds value to your paper. If you genuinely believe quoting a poem enhances your paper in one way or another, you should do it.

2. When You Want To Support Your Arguments

It would help if you quoted a poem to support your arguments. There are situations where you cannot write your essay correctly without quoting a poem.

For example, when you analyze a poem in your essay, you must quote it several times. This will help show the reader what you are talking about. In other words, it will help you to support your arguments.

Essential Tips to Quote a Poem in MLA

There are different rules for quoting just a single line of poetry, two or three lines, and for quoting four or more lines.

1. How to Quote a Single Line of Poetry in Your MLA Essay

Quoting a single line of poetry in an MLA essay is easy. You need to put it in double quotes. This is how you would quote a single line of anything else in your MLA essay. So nothing is challenging about it.

Putting a single line of poetry in your MLA essay without enclosing it with double quotation marks will make it difficult for your professor to know you are quoting something.

And do not for a moment think that italicizing a line of poetry can work in lieu of the double quotation marks. It cannot work since it is not how the MLA stylebook requires you to quote a single line of poetry.

Examples of how to quote a single line of poetry:

"While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping" – Edgar Allan Poe
"The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed" – Percy Shelley
"Life is but an empty dream!" – Henry Longfellow

2. How to Quote Two or Three Lines of Poetry

Quoting two or three lines of poetry is a bit more complex than quoting just one. This is because two or three lines of poetry will need something to tell the reader they are moving to the next line.

So how do you do it? Write two or three lines of poetry and enclose them with double quotation marks. Then use the forward slash symbol "/" to show the transition from one line to the next. The symbol should be preceded and followed by space.

If the lines you are quoting are from two different stanzas, use the double forward slash symbol "//" to show the transition from one stanza to the next.

One important thing to remember when quoting a chunk of poetry in your essay is that you should always retain the same styling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the original poem. Do not adjust or rewrite anything to make it sound better or more correct.

Examples of how to quote two to three lines of poetry:

"Life is real! Life is earnest! / And the grave is not its goal;" – Henry Longfellow
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" – Percy Shelley
"Does it dry up / Like a raising in the sun?" – Langston Hughes

3. How to Quote Four or More Lines of Poetry

How you quote four or more lines of poetry differs from how you quote three or fewer lines of poetry. It is different because when you quote four or more lines of poetry, you must quote them as a block.

Here is how exactly to quote four or more lines of poetry. First, introduce the quote or provide the reader with some context on the quote you will unleash to them. Second, put a colon at the end of the sentence to show a quote is coming.

Third, create a line break (a new line) and press the "Tab" this will indent your quote (0.5-inch from the left margin) and distinguish it from the rest of your writing. Lastly, quote the poem you wanted to quote without adding any quotation marks.

Example 1 of how to quote four or more lines of poetry:

Langston Hughes' poem opens with a couple of rhetorical questions:

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore-

And then run?

Example 2 of how to quote four or more lines of poetry

Maya Angelou's inspiring poem offers words of encouragement to the downtrodden:

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Example 3 of how to quote four or more lines of poetry

The poet John Donne, in his thought-inspiring poem, reveals the deep connection we have to humanity:

Any man's death diminishes me,

Because I am involved in mankind,

And therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls;

It tolls for thee.

You now know how exactly to quote a poem in an MLA essay. It is now to discover how to cite a poem in MLA. Citing is not the same thing as quoting. It is more complex. Check the section below to understand.

How to cite a poem in an MLA Paper or Essay

When you name, discuss, mention, or refer to a poem, it is best to cite it so that your reader can read more about it if they want to. Failure to properly cite a poem or any other work you use or discuss in your essay is wrong and is considered academic dishonesty. It will make your essay look like it is missing something and reduce your chances of getting an excellent grade (professors do not like poorly cited essays).

When citing a poem in your essay, you must cite it in-text and on the reference page.

Citing a poem in-text has a few rules that you need to follow. The most important rule is clearly stating the author's last name. The purpose of doing this is to enable the reader to quickly locate the author of the work and the associated source on your references page.

Follow the rules below to cite any poem in-text in your MLA essay properly.

A. How to cite a poem with no line numbers or page numbers

You can find a poem on a website or a published text without any lines or page numbers. The correct way to cite it is only by the author's last name. Do not count the lines or the pages manually for your in-text citation.

Example of how to cite a poem with no line numbers or page numbers

"Every man is a piece of the continent, / A part of the main." (Donne)

B. How to cite a poem with line numbers

Sometimes poems are published with line numbers on the side. This is often true in official poem collections. When you quote or talk about a poem with line numbers in your essay, your in-text citation must show the exact lines you have quoted or are talking about.

Your citation should begin with the author's last name followed by a comma and the exact lines you have quoted or are discussing. Once you cite a poem with line numbers in this manner, put line numbers only in parentheses in subsequent references to the same poem.

Example of how to cite a poem with line numbers

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, / And sorry I could travel both" (Frost, lines 1-2).

C. How to cite a poem with page numbers

A poem can be published over several pages. If a poem is published over several pages but without line numbers, you should provide an in-text citation referencing the exact page number you have quoted or are talking about.

Your citation should begin with the author's last name and the page number. Unlike in the case of line numbers, you are not supposed to put a comma between the poet's last name and the page number.

Example of how to cite a poem with page numbers

"For they sweet love remembered such wealth brings, / That, then I scorn to change my state with kings." (Shakespeare 38).

D. How to cite a poem multiple times

When you cite a poem severally in the same paragraph, you don't need to repeat the entire in-text citation over and over again. You need to put only the line number or page number you are referring to in parentheses.

Example of how to cite a poem consecutively in the same paragraph

"And be one traveler, long I stood / And looked down one as far as I could"

Citing a poem on the reference page MLA

Every poem you cite in-text should have the full citation on your references page. How you reference a poem on the references page depends on the source.

Poems can be found in many places (e.g., online, in a book, or in an anthology). The way you cite a poem you've found online is not the same you cite a poem you've found in a book.

A. How to cite a poem found online

When you find a poem online or on a website, there is a way you need to cite it. You must begin with the author's last name and then their first name. You need to follow the poet's name with the poem's name in parentheses. Check out the format below.

Online citation format:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title." Year of publication. Title of the website, Website Publisher, Link. Accessed day month year.

Online citation example:

Shakespeare, William. "Sonnet 29." 1609. Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45090/sonnet-29-when-in-disgrace-with-fortune-and-mens-eyes. Accessed 19 Feb. 2023.

B. How to cite a poem from a book

When you find a poem in a book, there are rules you need to follow in citing it. The first two elements of the citation (the name and the title of the poem, will be formatted the same way as when citing a poem from an online source. The other elements are different, so the formatting is a bit different. Check out the format below.

Book citation format

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title." Book Title, Publisher. Year of publication, Page number/range.

Book citation example

Shakespeare, William. "Sonnet 29." William Shakespeare Poem Collection, Oxford University Press, 2009, p. 32.

C. How to cite a poem from an anthology

An anthology is a collection of poems from different authors. How you cite a poem from an anthology is not the same way you cite a poem from a book with poems from solely one author. Use the format below to cite a poem from an anthology.

Anthology citation format

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Work." Anthology Collection, edited by (first name and last name), edition (if applicable), volume (if applicable), Publisher, year of anthology publication, page number or page range.

Anthology citation example:

Hughes, William. "Dark Oceans." Collection of Modern South African Poems , edited by John Moore, Cape Town University Press, 2009, p. 77.

As we wind up this Super Guide…

If you made it this far, you are now conversant with how to quote poems in an MLA paper. You can now comfortably cite poems from different sources. We hope that the information we have shared with you should make it easy for you to quote and cite poems easily in your MLA essays.

How to write a poem analysis essay.
How to write an expository essay.
How to write a rhetorical analysis essay.

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Practical guide to citing and quoting a poem in mla format with great examples, bob cardens.

November 30, 2023
How to Guides

Working with a poem as a source? Here’s a guide to citing and quoting a poem in MLA format.

Citing a poem in MLA involves using parenthetical citations and ensuring the in-text information matches the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.

Following the author-page format, you can seamlessly integrate quotes and paraphrases into your writing while properly crediting the source. Works by multiple authors, unknown authors, and those with multiple editions require specific citation guidelines that we’ll explore in detail.

Remember, accuracy and proper formatting matter when citing and quoting a poem in MLA format.

Consult the MLA Handbook and Style Manual for further guidance or specific reference questions. And don’t forget, if you need writing help, our expert writers can assist you within 2-3 hours.

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Citing and Quoting a Poem in MLA Format -How to properly cite a quote in MLA format from a poem

The basic format for an i n-text citation of a poem in MLA is to include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. The author’s name can be mentioned in the sentence or enclosed in parentheses, while the page number(s) should always appear in parentheses.

Here are a few examples to illustrate how to cite poems in various scenarios:

In his poem “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost reflects on the choices we make in life (19). (Frost 19)

If you are citing multiple poems by the same author, you can include the title of the poem in your citation:

Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” emphasizes the power of optimism (4). (Dickinson, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” 4)

If you are citing a poem from a collection or anthology, you should include the page range of the specific poem:

In “The Waste Land,” T.S. Eliot explores themes of disillusionment and despair (Eliot 25-30). (Eliot 25-30)

Remember, these are just a few examples of how to cite poems in MLA format. The specific rules may vary depending on your source and edition. It’s always a good idea to consult the MLA Handbook for more detailed guidelines.

How to quote up to three lines of poetry:

Practical guide to citing and quoting a poem in mla format with great examples 1

Use slashes (/) to indicate line breaks within the poem.
Keep all punctuation intact as it appears in the poem
Use quotation marks to denote the beginning and end of the quotation.
Put the line numbers in parentheses and not page numbers.

Citing a Poem from Print Sources in MLA

It is important to follow the MLA guidelines to ensure accurate and proper citation for print sources such as a book, magazines, scholarly journal articles, or newspapers.

In-text citations for poems in print sources require a signal word or phrase, typically the author’s last name, followed by the page number where the poem can be found.
If the author’s name is already mentioned in the sentence, only the page number must be provided in parentheses.
For example, if you cite a poem from a book by a known author, the in-text citation would follow this format: (Author’s Last Name Page Number).
If the poem is from an article or a corporate-authored work, the format would be: (Author’s Last Name Page Number).
Page numbers should always be provided for poems in print sources, even if the poem spans multiple pages.

Here is an example of a properly formatted in-text citation for a poem from a print source:

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility” (Wordsworth 26).

In this example, the poem is from a book by Wordsworth, and the quote can be found on page 26.

Working on a Literature Paper?

Citing a Poem from Online Sources in MLA

When citing and quoting a poem in MLA format, citing online sources is essential. This is especially important in today’s digital age, where information can be found online.

The basic format for an online poem citation includes the author’s last name, the poem’s title in quotation marks, the title of the database or website in italics, the publication date, and the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).

Example: Eliot, T.S. “The Waste Land.” The Waste Land and Other Poems . Poetry Foundation, 1922, www.poetryfoundation.org.

For poems from online newspapers or magazines, the citation follows a similar format but also includes the name of the publication and the section or page number where the poem is located.

How to create a Works Cited Page in MLA

As you complete your research paper or essay, creating a Works Cited page is important to document all the sources you used

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a well-organized Works Cited page in MLA format.

1. Start a New Page

After the last page of your paper, begin a new page and center the title “Works Cited” at the top. Make sure the page is double-spaced throughout, including the title.

2. Format Your Entries

List your sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If there is no author, use the title of the work instead. Each entry should be flush with the left margin, with subsequent lines indented by 0.5 inches.

For books, include the author’s name, book title in italics, publisher, year of publication, and medium of publication. For articles, include the author’s name, article title in quotation marks, journal or website title in italics, volume and issue numbers, publication date, and medium of publication.

3. Follow the Correct Formatting

Remember to follow the specific formatting guidelines for different types of sources. For example, books are formatted differently from online articles. Double-check your entries for accuracy and consistency.

“The Works Cited page is your opportunity to give credit to the authors and creators of the works you referenced in your paper. By following the MLA guidelines for creating a Works Cited page, you are ensuring the integrity of your research and providing your readers with the necessary information to locate and evaluate the sources you used.”

Key MLA Formatting Guidelines for Citing a Poem

When citing and quoting a poem in MLA format, it’s not just about the in-text citations and Works Cited page. The formatting of your entire paper also needs to follow MLA guidelines. Let’s take a look at some key formatting rules that you need to keep in mind.

Heading and Title – The first thing to consider is the heading and title of your paper. Your paper should have a heading that includes your name, the instructor’s name, the course title, and the date. The title of your paper should be centred and in the title case.
Page Numbering and Font – Pages in your paper should be numbered consecutively in the upper right corner, starting from the first page. Use a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, and set the font size to 12pt
Margins and Line Spacing – The margins of your paper should be set to 1 inch on all sides. Double-space the entire paper, including the Works Cited page. Use consistent indents for paragraphs, typically half an inch.
Formatting Titles – There are specific rules to follow when formatting the titles of sources, such as poems and books. Poem titles should be enclosed in quotation marks, while book titles should be italicized or underlined. Make sure to consult the MLA Handbook for specific formatting guidelines.

Remember to;

Use parenthetical citations in the author-page format, with the author’s last name and page number(s) either in the sentence or in parentheses after the quotation or paraphrase.
Match the in-text information with the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.
Adhere to the specific guidelines for each source type, including the proper order of elements and formatting of titles.
Accuracy and attention to detail in your citations are key to maintaining academic integrity and adequately crediting your sources.

Source Links

https://alameda.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MLA-Handout-new-format-v2.pdf
https://academics.umw.edu/writing-fredericksburg/files/2011/09/MLA.pdf
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sunycorning1020elec201819/chapter/mla-8th-edition/
thestudycorp.com

How do I cite a poem in MLA format?

To cite a poem in MLA format, you need to include the poet’s last name and the line numbers in the text (e.g., Logan 5-7). If you are citing multiple poems from the same poet, you can include the poem’s title after the poet’s name (e.g., Wordsworth, “Gregory” 5-7). The basic format for an i n-text citation of a poem in MLA is to include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. The author’s name can be mentioned in the sentence or enclosed in parentheses, while the page number(s) should always appear in parentheses.

What if I don’t know the line numbers?

If the poem does not have line numbers, you can use the page number instead (e.g., Wordsworth 25). Alternatively, you can use the poem’s title, but be sure to enclose it in quotation marks (e.g., Wordsworth, “Daffodils”).

How do I format the citation in the Works Cited page?

For the Works Cited page, the citation for a poem should follow this format: Last name, First name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book or Anthology (in italics or underlined), edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of publication, page range of poem.

Can I use a shortened version of the poem title in the in-text citation?

Yes, poem is long, you can use a shortened version in the in-text citation. Just make sure it is clear which poem you are referring to. You can use the first few words of the poem’s title or a keyword.

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How to Cite a Poem: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Introduction

In-Text Citations

Works cited entry, reference list entry, bibliography entry, introduction.

Citing a poem correctly is crucial for any academic or literary work. Whether you are writing an essay, research paper, or simply analyzing a poem, providing accurate citations is essential to give credit to the original author and to support your arguments. In this guide, we will explore the various citation styles and provide examples to help you cite poems effectively.

Citing a Poem in MLA Style

In MLA style, in-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of a direct quote or paraphrase within the body of your text. When citing a poem, include the author’s last name and the line numbers in parentheses. If the poem does not have line numbers, use the page number instead. Here are a few examples:

– Quoting a line from a poem with line numbers: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (Frost 1).

– Quoting multiple lines from a poem with line numbers: As Robert Frost wrote in his famous poem: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both” (1-2).

– Quoting a poem without line numbers: According to Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (23).

In the Works Cited page, you will provide a full reference for the poem. The format for citing a poem in MLA style is as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book or Anthology, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Edition (if applicable), Publisher, Year, Page Range.

For example:

Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym, 8th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2012, pp. 123-124.

Citing a Poem in APA Style

In APA style, in-text citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication. When citing a poem, include the line numbers for direct quotes. If the poem does not have line numbers, use the page number instead. Here are a few examples:

– Quoting a line from a poem with line numbers: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (Frost, 1916, p. 1, line 1).

– Quoting multiple lines from a poem with line numbers: As Robert Frost wrote in his famous poem: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both” (Frost, 1916, p. 1, lines 1-2).

– Quoting a poem without line numbers: According to Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (Frost, 1916, p. 23).

In the reference list, you will provide a full reference for the poem. The format for citing a poem in APA style is as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of Poem. In Title of Book or Anthology (pp. Page Range). Publisher.

Frost, R. (1916). The Road Not Taken. In The Norton Anthology of American Literature (pp. 123-124). W. W. Norton & Company.

Citing a Poem in Chicago Style

In Chicago style, footnotes are used to cite sources. When citing a poem for the first time, use a footnote to provide the full reference. For subsequent citations, you can use a shortened version. Here are a few examples:

– First footnote citation: ^1 Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken,” in The Norton Anthology of American Literature, ed. Nina Baym, 8th ed. (W. W. Norton & Company, 2012), 123.

– Subsequent footnote citation: ^2 Frost, “The Road Not Taken,” 124.

In the bibliography, you will provide a full reference for the poem. The format for citing a poem in Chicago style is as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” In Title of Book or Anthology, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Page Range. Publisher, Year.

Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” In The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym, 123-124. W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.

Citing a poem correctly is essential for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to the original author. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and in accordance with the required citation style. Remember to always consult the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the style manual for any additional requirements or variations.

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Everything You Need to Know About Citing a Poem

Academic study, especially in literature, will likely bring you to a moment when you'll need to cite a poem in an essay. When that happens, don't worry, we have you covered. We're going to look at citing poetry in the two most common citation styles, APA and MLA, including in-text citations and those required for footnotes/endnotes and Reference or Works Cited pages.

Citing poetry can be confusing across different citation styles.

Although commonly used for citing sources within the field of behavioral and social sciences, APA is the style guide of the American Psychological Association (APA) and can be required for essays citing poetry.

In-text citations

For an in-text citation of a poem, APA requires that you add parentheses to the end of the quote and include the last name of the author, followed by a comma and the year of publication of the source. If you are quoting a poem that is online, you can simply use the date of publication of the poem. If you found the poem in a collection or anthology, the in-text citation should include the page number in the anthology where the poem is printed.

But we loved with a love that was more than love--

I and my Annabel Lee--

With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven

Coveted her and me. (Poe, 1849)

Note that since the above quoted poem is three or more lines, it is formatted within the text like a block quote. Quotation marks are not used and the poem is written exactly as it is in the source. Also note that each line is indented and the section is double spaced, with an in-text citation placed after the final punctuation of the quote.

For poetry quotes that are a single line, this should be treated like any other quote. For example:

In his poem Annabel Lee, Poe writes "But we loved with a love that was more than love--," (1849).

Notice that the in-text citation is placed before the final punctuation and the citation only includes the date since the author (Poe) has already been mentioned.

If the poetry quote contains two lines, treat it like any other quote but include a slash mark (/) where the line breaks in the original source. For example:

The author writes, "But we loved with a love that was more than love--/I and my Annabel Lee--,"(Poe, 1849).

Reference page citation

If you found the poem in an anthology, include the poet's name, anthology publication year, poem title, editors' names, anthology name in italics, page numbers, publishing city and publisher name in the following format:

Eliot, T.S. (1970). Journey of the magi. In A. Allison and H. Barrows (Eds.), The Norton Anthology of Poetry (Third Edition) (pp. 1012-1013). New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

If you found the poem on the Web, include the poet's name, year of publication, poem title, retrieval date and web address in the following format:

Poe, E., A. (1849). Annabel Lee. Retrieved, November 30, 2019, from https://poestories.com/read/annabellee

APA format is most commonly used in the social sciences, but might be required for your poetry citation by certain professors.

Published by the Modern Language Association (MLA), the MLA style is often used for English studies, modern languages and literatures, literary criticism, and media studies.

For an in-text citation of a poem, MLA requires that you add parentheses to the end of the quote and include the last name of the author. However, this is where the similarity to APA style ends. After stating the name of the author, you'll need to include a comma followed by line numbers of the poem quotes. If there are no line numbers in the text, include the page number where the poem was found. Note that if you go this route, there is no comma in between the author's last name and the page number.

Coveted her and me. (Poe, lines 1-4)

As with APA style, for poetry quotes that are a single line, this should be treated like any other quote. For example:

In his poem Annabel Lee, Poe writes "But we loved with a love that was more than love--," (line 1).

Notice that the in-text citation is placed before the final punctuation and the citation only includes the line number since the author (Poe) has already been mentioned.

The author writes, "But we loved with a love that was more than love--/I and my Annabel Lee--,"(Poe, lines 3-4).

For the reference page or works cited page, include the poet's name, the name of the poem in quotation marks, anthology name, names of editors, publishing company, date of publication, and page number where the poem is found. Here's an example:

Poe, Edgar Allan. "Annabelle Lee." The Norton Anthology of Poetry, edited by A. Allison and H. Barrows, W.W. Norton & Company, 1970, p. 697.

If you found the poem on a website, include the author's last name, author's first name, name of the poem in quotation marks, the name of the website, the website's URL, and the date it was accessed. Here's an example:

Poe, Edgar Allan. "Annabel Lee." Poe Stories, https://poestories.com/read/annabellee. Accessed November 30, 2019.

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MLA Style Guide, 8th & 9th Editions: Poetry

Works Cited entries: What to Include
Title of source
Title of container
Contributors
Publication date
Supplemental Elements
Book with Personal Author(s)
Book with Organization as Author
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Writing Tips

How to Quote a Poem in APA Referencing

3-minute read

31st July 2019

Many style guides have special rules for quoting poetry in an essay . In this post, for example, we will look at how to quote a poem using APA referencing. This will cover:

How to present quoted verse on the page
How to format in-text citations for a poem in APA referencing

If you are writing about poetry, then, make sure to follow the rules below.

How to Quote a Poem

The basic rules for quoting a line of poetry are the same as for quoting any other source. As such, to quote a poem, you should:

Place the quoted text within quotation marks.
Cite the author’s surname and year of publication in brackets.
If available, include a page number for the quoted passage.

Otherwise, a single line of poetry will look like any other quote.

If you’re quoting two lines from a poem, though, you will need to include a include a forward slash to show where the line break was in the original text. A two-line quotation would therefore look like this:

One of the most famous examples of nonsense poetry is “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat,” which begins thus: “The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea / In a beautiful pea-green boat” (Lear, 1871/1983, p. 34).

Here, we’re quoting the first two lines of an Edward Lear poem (we include two dates because this is a republished version of the original work). The page numbers in the citation, meanwhile, show us where this poem appears in the book.

Quoting Three or More Lines of Poetry

If you’re using more than two lines from a poem, present it as a block quote . Ideally, you will recreate the presentation of the lines on the page from the original source:

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The final stanza begins with an interspecies wedding: “Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling Your ring?” Said the Piggy, “I will.” So they took it away, and were married next day By the Turkey who lives on the hill. (Lear, 1871/1983, p. 34)

Here, for example, we indent the second and final lines more than the rest of the quote. This is because the original poem is presented in the same way.

Furthermore, as with any APA block quote, the citation here comes after the final punctuation in the quote, not before it.

Adding a Poem to an APA Reference List

Finally, if you quote a poem anywhere in your work, it should also appear in the reference list at the end of your document. The correct reference format to use, however, will depend on how the poem was published:

For long poems published as standalone works, use the standard book format . You can do this for anthologies with a single author, too, but make sure to name the editor as well as the author of the poems themselves.
List poems published in an anthology as chapters from an edited book (i.e., include details for both poem and container volume).
List a single poem found online as a web page .

Whatever their format, make sure to provide full publication information for all poems and their container volumes (i.e., the book or website where you found the poem). This will allow your reader to find them if required.

And if you need anyone to check your document for errors – including in citations and the reference list – don’t forget that we have expert academic proofreaders on hand and ready to help 24/7.

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Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

How To Cite Poetry In Essay

Introduction

Citing poetry in essays can be tricky because of the multiple formats used by different publishers or authors. It’s important to correctly cite poetry in a paper to avoid plagiarism, but the conventions can be confusing. Knowing how to correctly cite a poem, whether it’s in an essay or you’re citing a poem in a book, is an important skill for students, writers and scholars. In this article, we’ll provide a guide to citing poems, including guidelines for MLA, APA, and Chicago Style.

Understanding the Difference Between Quoting and Paraphrasing Poems

Before discussing how to cite poems, it’s important to understand the differences between quoting and paraphrasing. Quoting poems for an essay involves the use of exact words and phrases from the poem. When quoting a poem in an essay, you should copy the lines exactly as they appear in source, using proper punctuation and formatting. Paraphrasing poetry, on the other hand, involves writing the ideas contained in a poem in your own words.

MLA Citation Style

The MLA citation format is one of the most commonly used citation styles for citing poetry. For quoting poems in an MLA format paper, you should use the same format as for other citations, including the author’s last name, page number, and a short descriptive title. For example, if you’re quoting a poem by John Smith on page 12, the citation would look like this: Smith 12. You will also need to include a full reference list at the end of your paper.

APA Citation Style

In an APA format paper, when citing poem you should use the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number. For example, if you’re citing a poem by John Smith published in 2020, on page 12, the citation would look like this: (Smith, 2020, p. 12). This should be followed by a reference list at the end of the paper.

Chicago Citation Style

The Chicago style involves the use of author-date citations. When citing poems in a Chicago style paper, you should include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number. For example, if you’re citing a poem by John Smith published in 2020 on page 12, the citation would look like this: Smith (2020, 12). The author-date citations should be followed by an alphabetized list of full references at the end of the paper.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations are used when citing a poem directly, or when referring to specific lines or phrases within a poem. In-text citations follow the same format as other citations, including the author’s last name, date of publication, and page number. For example, if you’re citing a poem by John Smith published in 2020, on page 12, the citation would look like this: (Smith, 2020, p. 12).

Tips for Citing Poems

When citing poems, it’s important to remember to include all relevant information in the citation. This includes the author’s name, publication date, and page number. It’s also important to pay attention to formatting and punctuation. Quotes should be formatted and punctuated in accordance with the style guide you’re using (MLA, APA, or Chicago).

Avoiding Plagiarism

When citing poems, it’s important to remember to include all relevant information in the citation. This includes the author’s name, publication date, and page number. By citing poems properly, you are showing respect for the work of the poet and avoiding any claims of plagiarism.

Citing poems in an essay can be a challenge, but with the right guidance, you can easily cite a poem using the correct citation style. Remember to always include all relevant information in the citation, including author’s name, publication date, and page number. By using the correct citation format, you can avoid any claims of plagiarism and show respect for the work of the poet.

Minnie Walters

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!

Frequently asked questions

How do i cite a poem in the text in mla.

An MLA in-text citation should always include the author’s last name, either in the introductory text or in parentheses after a quote .

If line numbers or page numbers are included in the original source, add these to the citation.

If you are discussing multiple poems by the same author, make sure to also mention the title of the poem (shortened if necessary). The title goes in quotation marks .

Frequently asked questions: MLA Style

In MLA style , footnotes or endnotes can be used to provide additional information that would interrupt the flow of your text.

This can be further examples or developments of ideas you only briefly discuss in the text. You can also use notes to provide additional sources or explain your citation practice.

You don’t have to use any notes at all; only use them to provide relevant information that complements your arguments or helps the reader to understand them.

No, you should use parenthetical MLA in-text citations to cite sources. Footnotes or endnotes can be used to add extra information that doesn’t fit into your main text, but they’re not needed for citations.

If you need to cite a lot of sources at the same point in the text, though, placing these citations in a note can be a good way to avoid cluttering your text.

According to MLA format guidelines, the Works Cited page(s) should look like this:

Running head containing your surname and the page number.
The title, Works Cited, centered and in plain text.
List of sources alphabetized by the author’s surname.
Left-aligned.
Double-spaced.
1-inch margins.
Hanging indent applied to all entries.

The MLA Works Cited lists every source that you cited in your paper. Each entry contains the author , title , and publication details of the source.

No, in an MLA annotated bibliography , you can write short phrases instead of full sentences to keep your annotations concise. You can still choose to use full sentences instead, though.

Use full sentences in your annotations if your instructor requires you to, and always use full sentences in the main text of your paper .

If you’re working on a group project and therefore need to list multiple authors for your paper , MLA recommends against including a normal header . Instead, create a separate title page .

On the title page, list each author on a separate line, followed by the other usual information from the header: Instructor, course name and number, and submission date. Then write the title halfway down the page, centered, and start the text of the paper itself on the next page.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

Your instructor requires one, or
Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

When an online source (e.g. web page , blog post) doesn’t list a publication date , you should instead list an access date .

Unlike a publication date, this appears at the end of your MLA Works Cited entry, after the URL, e.g. “A Complete Guide to MLA Style.” Scribbr , www.scribbr.com/category/mla/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2021 .

For offline sources with no publication date shown, don’t use an access date—just leave out the date.

The level of detail you provide in a publication date in your Works Cited list depends on the type of source and the information available. Generally, follow the lead of the source—if it gives the full date, give the full date; if it gives just the year, so should you.

Books usually list the year, whereas web pages tend to give a full date. For journal articles , give the year, month and year, or season and year, depending on what information is available. Check our citation examples if you’re unsure about a particular source type.

In an MLA Works Cited list , the names of months with five or more letters are abbreviated to the first three letters, followed by a period. For example, abbreviate Feb., Mar., Apr., but not June, July.

In the main text, month names should never be abbreviated.

In your MLA Works Cited list , dates are always written in day-month-year order, with the month abbreviated if it’s five or more letters long, e.g. 5 Mar. 2018.

In the main text, you’re free to use either day-month-year or month-day-year order, as long as you use one or the other consistently. Don’t abbreviate months in the main text, and use numerals for dates, e.g. 5 March 2018 or March 5, 2018.

In most standard dictionaries , no author is given for either the overall dictionary or the individual entries, so no author should be listed in your MLA citations.

Instead, start your Works Cited entry and your MLA in-text citation with the title of the entry you’re citing (i.e. the word that’s being defined), in quotation marks.

If you cite a specialist dictionary that does list an author and/or overall editor, these should be listed in the same way as they would for other citations of books or book chapters .

Some source types, such as books and journal articles , may contain footnotes (or endnotes) with additional information. The following rules apply when citing information from a note in an MLA in-text citation :

To cite information from a single numbered note, write “n” after the page number, and then write the note number, e.g. (Smith 105n2)
To cite information from multiple numbered notes, write “nn” and include a range, e.g. (Smith 77nn1–2)
To cite information from an unnumbered note, write “un” after the page number, with a space in between, e.g. (Jones 250 un)

If you cite multiple Shakespeare plays throughout your paper, the MLA in-text citation begins with an abbreviated version of the title (as shown here ), e.g. ( Oth. 1.2.4). Each play should have its own Works Cited entry (even if they all come from the same collection).

If you cite only one Shakespeare play in your paper, you should include a Works Cited entry for that play, and your in-text citations should start with the author’s name , e.g. (Shakespeare 1.1.4).

No, do not use page numbers in your MLA in-text citations of Shakespeare plays . Instead, specify the act, scene, and line numbers of the quoted material, separated by periods, e.g. (Shakespeare 3.2.20–25).

This makes it easier for the reader to find the relevant passage in any edition of the text.

When an article (e.g. in a newspaper ) appears on non-consecutive pages (e.g. starting on page 1 and continuing on page 6), you should use “pp.” in your Works Cited entry, since it’s on multiple pages, but MLA recommends just listing the first page followed by a plus sign, e.g. pp. 1+.

In an MLA style Works Cited entry for a newspaper , you can cite a local newspaper in the same way as you would a national one, except that you may have to add the name of the city in square brackets to clarify what newspaper you mean, e.g. The Gazette [Montreal].

Do not add the city name in brackets if it’s already part of the newspaper’s name, e.g. Dallas Observer .

MLA doesn’t require you to list an author for a TV show . If your citation doesn’t focus on a particular contributor, just start your Works Cited entry with the title of the episode or series, and use this (shortened if necessary) in your MLA in-text citation .

If you focus on a particular contributor (e.g. the writer or director, a particular actor), you can list them in the author position , along with a label identifying their role.

It’s standard to list the podcast’s host in the author position , accompanied by the label “host,” in an MLA Works Cited entry. It’s sometimes more appropriate to use the label “narrator,” when the podcast just tells a story without any guests.

If your citation of the podcast focuses more on the contribution of someone else (e.g. a guest, the producer), they can be listed in the author position instead, with an appropriate label.

MLA recommends citing the original source wherever possible, rather than the source in which it is quoted or reproduced.

If this isn’t possible, cite the secondary source and use “qtd. in” (quoted in) in your MLA in-text citation . For example: (qtd. in Smith 233)

If a source is reproduced in full within another source (e.g. an image within a PowerPoint or a poem in an article ), give details of the original source first, then include details of the secondary source as a container. For example:

When you want to cite a PowerPoint or lecture notes from a lecture you viewed in person in MLA , check whether they can also be accessed online ; if so, this is the best version to cite, as it allows the reader to access the source.

If the material is not available online, use the details of where and when the presentation took place.

In an MLA song citation , you need to give some sort of container to indicate how you accessed the song. If this is a physical or downloaded album, the Works Cited entry should list the album name, distributor, year, and format.

However, if you listened to the song on a streaming service, you can just list the site as a container, including a URL. In this case, including the album details is optional; you may add this information if it is relevant to your discussion or if it will help the reader access the song.

When citing a song in MLA style , the author is usually the main artist or group that released the song.

However, if your discussion focuses on the contributions of a specific performer, e.g. a guitarist or singer, you may list them as author, even if they are not the main artist. If you’re discussing the lyrics or composition, you may cite the songwriter or composer rather than a performer.

When a source has no title , this part of your MLA reference is replaced with a description of the source, in plain text (no italics or quotation marks, sentence-case capitalization).

Whenever you refer to an image created by someone else in your text, you should include a citation leading the reader to the image you’re discussing.

If you include the image directly in your text as a figure , the details of the source appear in the figure’s caption. If you don’t, just include an MLA in-text citation wherever you mention the image, and an entry in the Works Cited list giving full details.

In MLA Style , you should cite a specific chapter or work within a book in two situations:

When each of the book’s chapters is written by a different author.
When the book is a collection of self-contained works (such as poems , plays , or short stories ), even if they are all written by the same author.

If you cite multiple chapters or works from the same book, include a separate Works Cited entry for each chapter.

If a source has no author, start the MLA Works Cited entry with the source title . Use a shortened version of the title in your MLA in-text citation .

If a source has no page numbers, you can use an alternative locator (e.g. a chapter number, or a timestamp for a video or audio source) to identify the relevant passage in your in-text citation. If the source has no numbered divisions, cite only the author’s name (or the title).

If you already named the author or title in your sentence, and there is no locator available, you don’t need a parenthetical citation:

Rajaram argues that representations of migration are shaped by “cultural, political, and ideological interests.”
The homepage of The Correspondent describes it as “a movement for radically different news.”

If a source has two authors, name both authors in your MLA in-text citation and Works Cited entry. If there are three or more authors, name only the first author, followed by et al.

You must include an MLA in-text citation every time you quote or paraphrase from a source (e.g. a book , movie , website , or article ).

MLA Style is the second most used citation style (after APA ). It is mainly used by students and researchers in humanities fields such as literature, languages, and philosophy.

If information about your source is not available, you can either leave it out of the MLA citation or replace it with something else, depending on the type of information.

No author : Start with the source title.
No title : Provide a description of the source.
No date : Provide an access date for online sources; omit for other sources.

A standard MLA Works Cited entry is structured as follows:

Only include information that is available for and relevant to your source.

Yes. MLA style uses title case, which means that all principal words (nouns, pronouns , verbs, adjectives , adverbs , and some conjunctions ) are capitalized.

This applies to titles of sources as well as the title of, and subheadings in, your paper. Use MLA capitalization style even when the original source title uses different capitalization .

The title of an article is not italicized in MLA style , but placed in quotation marks. This applies to articles from journals , newspapers , websites , or any other publication. Use italics for the title of the source where the article was published. For example:

Use the same formatting in the Works Cited entry and when referring to the article in the text itself.

In MLA style , book titles appear in italics, with all major words capitalized. If there is a subtitle, separate it from the main title with a colon and a space (even if no colon appears in the source). For example:

The format is the same in the Works Cited list and in the text itself. However, when you mention the book title in the text, you don’t have to include the subtitle.

The title of a part of a book—such as a chapter, or a short story or poem in a collection—is not italicized, but instead placed in quotation marks.

In MLA style citations , format a DOI as a link, including “https://doi.org/” at the start and then the unique numerical code of the article.

DOIs are used mainly when citing journal articles in MLA .

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

To create a correctly formatted block quote in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

Hit Enter at the beginning and end of the quote.
Highlight the quote and select the Layout menu.
On the Indent tab, change the left indent to 0.5″.

Do not put quotation marks around the quote, and make sure to include an MLA in-text citation after the period at the end.

To format a block quote in MLA:

Introduce the quote with a colon and set it on a new line.
Indent the whole quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
Place the MLA in-text citation after the period at the end of the block quote.

Then continue your text on a new line (not indented).

In MLA style , if you quote more than four lines from a source, use MLA block quote formatting .

If you are quoting poetry , use block quote formatting for any quote longer than three lines.

In the list of Works Cited , start with the poet’s name and the poem’s title in quotation marks. The rest of the citation depends on where the poem was published.

If you read the poem in a book or anthology, follow the format of an MLA book chapter citation . If you accessed the poem online, follow the format of an MLA website citation .

Only use line numbers in an MLA in-text citation if the lines are numbered in the original source. If so, write “lines” in the first citation of the poem , and only the numbers in subsequent citations.

If there are no line numbers in the source, you can use page numbers instead. If the poem appears on only one page of a book (or on a website ), don’t include a number in the citation.

To quote poetry in MLA style , introduce the quote and use quotation marks as you would for any other source quotation .

If the quote includes line breaks, mark these using a forward slash with a space on either side. Use two slashes to indicate a stanza break.

If the quote is longer than three lines, set them off from the main text as an MLA block quote . Reproduce the line breaks, punctuation, and formatting of the original.

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Citing a Poem

Select style:
Archive material
Chapter of an edited book
Conference proceedings
Dictionary entry
Dissertation
DVD, video, or film
E-book or PDF
Edited book
Encyclopedia article
Government publication
Music or recording
Online image or video
Presentation
Press release
Religious text

Poetry is one of the most artistic and beautiful forms of writing, and can be a valuable resource to consider as a paper topic or as a piece of evidence for a research paper. Let’s take a look at how to cite a poem in some of the most popular citation styles available on Cite This For Me.

Here are some of the pieces of information you may want to locate prior to making your reference for a poem:

Poet’s first and last name
Title of the poem
Title of the book where you located or read the poem (if applicable)
Book editor’s first and last name (if applicable)
Publisher name
Year published
Page numbers

How to cite a poem in Harvard referencing style (Cite Them Right 10 th edition)

Poet Last Name, First Initial. (Year) ‘Poem title’, in Last Name, Initial (ed.) Book title. Location: Publisher, pp. xx-xx.

Frost, R. (2015) ‘The road not taken’, in Swank, L. (ed.) An introduction to American poetry. New York: Viking Press, pp. 48-49.

*For help creating citations of different sources in this format, try the Cite This For Me Harvard reference generator .

How to cite a poem in MLA format

Poet Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book: Subtitle if Any , edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Edition if given and is not first, Publisher Name often shortened, Year of Publication, pp. xx-xx.

Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” An Introduction to American Poetry , edited by Lisa Swank, Viking Press, 2015, pp. 48-49.

*If you’re doing an annotated bibliography, be sure to check out this MLA annotated bibliography example .

How to cite a poem in APA format

Poet Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Poem title. In Editor Initial Last Name (Ed.), Book title (pp. xx-xx). Publisher.

Frost, R. (2015). The road not taken. In L. Swank (Ed.), An introduction to American poetry (pp. 48-49). Viking Press.

*Creating an in-text citation? The following link has an APA in-text citation example.

To create an in-text citation for a poem in the MLA style, the author’s full name and the title of the poem should be mentioned in prose the first time. Thereafter, either the in prose or parenthetical citation format can be used.

Citation in Prose format and example:

Author’s First and Last Name . . . “Title of Poem” . . . . OR “ Title of Poem” . . . Author’s First and Last Name . . . .

In “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” Robert Frost uses repetition to present . . . .

Parenthetical Citation format and example:

(Author’s Last Name)

Use this format if discussing more than one of the author’s poems:

(Author’s Last Name Title of Work)

(Frost “Stopping”)

Citing Poem Lines

If referring to specific lines within a poem, like when using a quote, line numbers are used. Use the poet’s last name and the line numbers in the in-text citation.

If it is a short poem (less than a page), line numbers are optional. If it is a very long poem and has named divisions (e.g., canto or book), include these divisions. If no lines numbers are provided for a poem, use the page number if available.

Citation in Prose format:

Author’s First and Last Name and “Title of Poem” . . .

Author’s First and Last Name and Title of Poem and Division and line #.

Citation in Prose examples:

In Robert Hayden’s “Those Winter Sundays,” “blueblack cold” is an example of synesthesia.

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost , Book 1, line 263, Satan says, “Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav’n.”

Parenthetical Citation format:

(Last Name, line #) [if your source has line numbers]

(Last Name, division #. line #)

(Last Name) [If your source does not have line numbers]

Parenthetical Citation examples:

The second stanza employs hyperbole. “Ten thousand saw I at a glance, / Tossing their heads in sprightly dance” (Wordsworth, lines 11-12).

In Canto VI, Virgil states that “the more a thing is perfect / The more it feels of pleasure and of pain” (Alighieri 6.105).

The poet juxtaposes two opposite concepts in the lines, “Once upon an eternity within a second” (Hammock).

When using a short quote from a poem, use the same punctuation and spellings that are found in the poem. A single forward slash is used to indicate the spacing between individual lines and a double slash is used to indicate a stanza break.

To format an MLA works-cited list entry for a poem include the poem’s author, the poem’s title, the title of the work in which the poem appears (anthology title, book title, etc.), the editor or author of the work in which the poem appears, the publisher, the year, and the page number. If applicable, also include the anthology’s details, such as edition number and volume number.

Author Last Name, First Name. “Poem Title.” Book Title , Editor’s First and Last Name, general editor, # ed., vol. #, Publisher Name, Publication, Year, p. #.

Frost, Robert. “Home Burial.” Poetry: A Pocket Anthology , R.S. Gwynn, general editor, 3rd ed., Penguin Academics, 2002, pp. 213-15.

How to Quote a Poem in an Essay: Best ways

Poetry holds a unique place in literature, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and vivid expressions with quote a poem in an Essay. When crafting an essay, incorporating quotes from poems can elevate the narrative, adding layers of meaning and literary flair. In this guide, we’ll explore the art of quoting a poem in an essay, unraveling the intricacies and offering practical tips to seamlessly integrate poetic verses into your writing with our Poem Generator .

What is Poetry Quotes?

Poetry quotes refer to excerpts or lines taken directly from poems that encapsulate the essence, emotion, or artistic expression within a concise form. These quotes are often used to enhance various forms of writing, including essays, by incorporating the poetic language and literary elements found in the original work.

Before diving into the quoting process, it’s essential to grasp the distinction between quoting and paraphrasing. While paraphrasing involves rephrasing the poet’s words in your own, quoting preserves the original language, capturing the essence of the poet’s expression.

A well-integrated quote should seamlessly blend with the surrounding text. Avoid abrupt introductions; instead, let the quote flow naturally within the context of your sentences. This ensures a smooth transition and prevents disruption in the essay’s flow.

Best way to quote a Poem in an Essay

Choosing a quote that aligns with your essay’s theme is crucial. The selected verse should enhance your argument or illustrate a point, contributing to the overall coherence of your writing. Beyond relevance, consider the literary merit of the chosen poem quote. Opt for verses that showcase poetic devices, such as metaphors, similes, or vivid imagery, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your essay.

Quoting a poem in an essay requires a careful and thoughtful approach to ensure seamless integration while maintaining the integrity of the poet’s work. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best way to quote a poem in an essay:

Choose a quote that is relevant to your essay’s theme or supports a specific point you’re making. Ensure the selected verse contributes meaningfully to your argument.
Familiarize yourself with the citation style required (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). Different styles have specific guidelines for citing poetry, including how to format line numbers and attribute the quote to the poet.
In MLA, enclose the quote in double quotation marks and include the poet’s last name and the line number(s) in parentheses. For example: (Frost 23-25).
In APA, include the poet’s name, the publication year, and the line number(s) in parentheses. For example: (Frost, 1916, p. 23).
Introduce the quote with a lead-in or context to ensure smooth integration into your writing. Avoid abrupt transitions that may disrupt the flow of your essay.
Use punctuation effectively to maintain the rhythm of the poem. If a quote ends with a period, retain it; if it ends with an ellipsis, preserve that as well.
Italics are commonly used to emphasize words in a quote. Ensure italics are used accurately to highlight specific elements within the poem.
After the quote, provide analysis or commentary. Explain the significance of the chosen verse and how it supports your essay’s argument. Interpret the poetic devices employed by the poet.
While quotes add value, avoid overloading your essay with excessive quotations. Select key verses that amplify your message without overshadowing your own voice.
Be consistent in your citation style throughout the essay. This includes using the same format for subsequent quotes from the same poem.
If quoting multiple lines, use an ellipsis (…) to indicate omitted lines. Be sure to include the correct line numbers to maintain accuracy.
Encouraging Reflection:
Use the quote as a springboard for reflection. Pose questions or delve into the emotional or thematic aspects of the verse, encouraging readers to engage with the quoted material.

Remember, the best way to quote a poem in an essay involves a delicate balance between your original voice and the poetic expression you’re incorporating. Thoughtful selection, proper citation, and seamless integration contribute to a compelling and well-crafted essay.

Citing Poems in Different Citation Styles

In the Modern Language Association (MLA) format, citing poems involves specifying line numbers. The format is as follows: (Author’s Last Name Line Number).

In MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style, quoting poems involves a specific format to ensure accurate and consistent referencing. Here’s a guide on how to cite poems in MLA style:

Example: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (Frost 1).
Example: Robert Frost’s narrator reflects on the choice between “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” (1).
For longer quotes (four or more lines), format the quote as a block quotation. Start a new line, indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin, and do not use

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Example: “Do not go gentle into that good night” (Thomas 6).
Format: Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Book or Anthology, edited by Editor’s Name if applicable, edition if applicable, Publisher, Year, page range.
Example: Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, Complete and Unabridged, Henry Holt, 1979, pp. 53-54.
Example: Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.”
If the poem is not paginated by lines, but by stanzas or sections, use standard numbering.

Analyzing Poetic Devices in Quotes

Delve into the poetic devices within your chosen quotes. Analyze metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery, showcasing your understanding of the poet’s craft. This adds depth to your essay, impressing upon the reader the layers of meaning embedded in the verses.

As you incorporate quotes, convey the inherent poetic elements effectively. Share your insights on how these elements contribute to the overall theme or message of the poem. This analytical approach elevates your essay beyond a mere collection of verses.

All in all, the judicious incorporation of well-chosen poem quotes will both enrich your essay and add depth and feeling to it. Do your best to follow citation styles, and do not overquote. You should have a pleasant blend of the poet’s voice with yours. Analyze poetic devices, encourage critical reflection and allow each quote to play a part in the overall effect. Incorporating carefully selected poem quotes into an essay is not just a academic exercise, it’s a brings your writing to another level. Therefore, use the power of poetry to enhance your essays and thrill readers with language.

Can I change words in a poem when quoting to fit my essay better?

No, it’s crucial to preserve the original wording of the poem when quoting. However, you can add square brackets to insert clarifications or minor changes for grammatical coherence, ensuring your alterations are clearly indicated.

How do I cite a poem with no line numbers in MLA?

When a poem is not paginated by lines, use standard numbering

Can I quote an entire poem in my essay

It’s generally advisable to avoid quoting an entire poem as it may overwhelm your essay. Select key verses that specifically support your argument or theme. If you must quote extensively, consider using block quotations for longer passages

How do I handle indents when quoting a poem as a block quote in MLA format ?

In a block quote, indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks for block quotes. Maintain double-spacing throughout, and include the poet’s name and line numbers in parentheses after the quote

Do I need to include the title of the poem in the in-text citation?

While it’s not mandatory in MLA, it’s good practice to include the title, especially if you’re quoting multiple poems by the same poet. This helps readers identify the specific work you’re referencing

How to Cite a Poem Using APA Style

Last Updated: December 18, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Michelle Golden, PhD . Michelle Golden is an English teacher in Athens, Georgia. She received her MA in Language Arts Teacher Education in 2008 and received her PhD in English from Georgia State University in 2015. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 162,461 times.

The American Psychological Association (APA) style guide is very popular, especially in the social sciences. If you need to write a paper in APA style, there are a lot of different formatting rules to consider. Citing sources, such as poems, can be one of the most confusing things, but if you follow a few simple rules, you'll have perfectly formatted citations.

Quoting a Poem in Your Essay

Step 1 Use quotation marks with short quotes.

For example, introduce a short quote like this. Frost writes, "Some say the world will end in fire."

For example, cite two line of a poem like this: "Some say the world will end end fire, / Some say in ice."

Step 3 Use block quotations for longer quotes.

You should not use quotation marks with block quotes. It is not necessary because the indentation signifies that it is a quote.
Be sure to maintain the same double spacing that you have in the rest of your paper.

Using Proper In-Text Citations

Step 1 Include the author's name, the year, and the page number.

If you mention the author's name in the sentence that introduces the quote, include the year in parentheses after the author's name, and the page number in parentheses after the end of quote. For example: In his poem "Fire and Ice," Robert Frost (1923) says, "Some say the world will end in fire." (p. 1)
If you don't include the author's name in the sentence that introduces the quote, provide all three pieces of information, separated by commas, in parentheses after the end of the quote. For example: "Some say the world will end in fire." (Frost, 1923, p. 1)
Parenthetical citations should always come after the punctuation of the preceding sentence.

Step 2 Don't forget to cite indirect references.

If you are not referring to one specific page of the poem, you may omit the page number from your parenthetical citation, although you are encouraged to provide a page number whenever possible.

Capitalize all major words in the title of any work.
Put quotation marks around the titles of shorter works (such as most poems).
Italicize or underline the title of longer works (such as anthologies).

Citing a Poem in Your Works Cited

Author's last name, Author's first name (Year of publication). Title of work: Subtitle. Location: Publisher.

Author's last name, Author's first name (Year of publication). Title of poem. In Editor's first and last name (Eds.), Title of book (pp. page #). Location: Publisher.

Step 3 Tailor the guidelines for your book.

In general, if your source does not provide a specific piece of information, it is okay to omit it from the citation.
Note that when citing multiple pages you should notate it with "pp." instead of "p."

Step 4 Include extra information for electronic sources.

For a website, include the words "Retrieved from" followed by the full web address at the end of your citation.
For an e-book, include the e-book format in square brackets directly after the title of the book (for example, [Kindle DX version]). Then include the words "Available from" followed by the website from which you retrieved the e-book at the end of your citation.

Capitalize only the first word of the title of a book, not every word.
Do not surround the title of a poem with quotation marks.
Use the title References at the top of your page.
Alphabetize your entries by the author's last name. If you have more than one source by the same author, use the date of publication to list them chronologically.
The first line of each citation should not be indented, but all additional lines should be indented 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) (two spaces) from the left margin.
Maintain the same double spacing you have throughout the rest of your paper.
If you are providing annotations (descriptions of your sources), provide them directly beneath your citation, indented two spaces further than the second line of your citation.

Community Q&A

If you plan on writing a lot of papers using APA format, it's a good idea to buy a print copy of the manual or pay for online access. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
APA is not the only style guide out there, so double check that your teacher wants you to use APA. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Be sure to cite all of the sources that you quote, paraphrase, or even refer to when writing a paper so that you avoid all appearances of plagiarism. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don’t forget that you will also have to compose your entire essay or paper according to the APA style. This includes using the APA rules regarding line and paragraph spacing, typeface, margins, etc. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://libguides.swansea.ac.uk/APA7Referencing/Poetry
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/quotation_marks/quotation_marks_with_fiction.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_author_authors.html
↑ https://penandthepad.com/cite-poem-apa-format-5072453.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.html

About This Article

If you want to cite a poem using the APA style, include your quote from a poem in quotation marks if it's less than 40 words, and use forward slashes to indicate line breaks. To cite a longer passage, begin the quote on a new line and indent it to create a block quotation. For your in-text citation, include the author's name, year of publication, and page number, preceded by the letter "p." When it comes to the title, capitalize all major words, place short titles in quotes, and italicize longer titles. To learn how to include your citation in the works cited section of your essay, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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MLA Formatting Quotations

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MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (8 th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

When you directly quote the works of others in your paper, you will format quotations differently depending on their length. Below are some basic guidelines for incorporating quotations into your paper. Please note that all pages in MLA should be double-spaced .

Short quotations

To indicate short quotations (four typed lines or fewer of prose or three lines of verse) in your text, enclose the quotation within double quotation marks. Provide the author and specific page number (in the case of verse, provide line numbers) in the in-text citation, and include a complete reference on the Works Cited page. Punctuation marks such as periods, commas, and semicolons should appear after the parenthetical citation.

Question marks and exclamation points should appear within the quotation marks if they are a part of the quoted passage, but after the parenthetical citation if they are a part of your text.

For example, when quoting short passages of prose, use the following examples:

When using short (fewer than three lines of verse) quotations from poetry, mark breaks in verse with a slash, ( / ), at the end of each line of verse (a space should precede and follow the slash). If a stanza break occurs during the quotation, use a double slash ( // ).

Long quotations

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing. Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark . When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks. (You should maintain double-spacing throughout your essay.)

For example, when citing more than four lines of prose, use the following examples :

Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him throughout her narration: They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their room, and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it would be gone on the morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing his voice, it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there; I was obliged to confess, and in recompense for my cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house. (Bronte 78)

When citing long sections of poetry (four lines of verse or more), keep formatting as close to the original as possible.

In his poem "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke explores his childhood with his father:

The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy; But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy. We Romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother's countenance Could not unfrown itself. (qtd. in Shrodes, Finestone, Shugrue 202)

When citing two or more paragraphs, use block quotation format, even if the passage from the paragraphs is less than four lines. If you cite more than one paragraph, the first line of the second paragraph should be indented an extra 1/4 inch to denote a new paragraph:

In "American Origins of the Writing-across-the-Curriculum Movement," David Russell argues,

Writing has been an issue in American secondary and higher education since papers and examinations came into wide use in the 1870s, eventually driving out formal recitation and oral examination. . . .

From its birth in the late nineteenth century, progressive education has wrestled with the conflict within industrial society between pressure to increase specialization of knowledge and of professional work (upholding disciplinary standards) and pressure to integrate more fully an ever-widening number of citizens into intellectually meaningful activity within mass society (promoting social equity). . . . (3)

Adding or omitting words in quotations

If you add a word or words in a quotation, you should put brackets around the words to indicate that they are not part of the original text:

If you omit a word or words from a quotation, you should indicate the deleted word or words by using ellipses, which are three periods ( . . . ) preceded and followed by a space. For example:

Please note that brackets are not needed around ellipses unless they would add clarity.

When omitting words from poetry quotations, use a standard three-period ellipses; however, when omitting one or more full lines of poetry, space several periods to about the length of a complete line in the poem:

How to Cite
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How to Reference a Poem Title in an Essay

Whether you are writing an essay about a poet or simply quoting a poem or referring to its themes, you may find yourself needing to reference the poem's title. However, it can be hard to remember whether the title is italicized, underlined or put into quotation marks. Although the treatment varies depending on the length of the poem and the format you are using, you can follow some general rules for citing poem titles in your paper.

Write the title of the poem in title case. All of the words should be capitalized except articles ("a," "an" or "the"), short prepositions ("in," "on," "with," "at") or coordinating conjunctions ("but," "and," "nor," "or," "so").

Put quotation marks around the poem's title unless it is a novel-length epic poem, such as "Paradise Lost" or "The Divine Comedy." In that case, italicize or underline the title.

Cite the poem with a parenthetical citation if you are using MLA or APA format. For MLA format, write the poet's last name and the page number from which you drew the specific portion of the poem you are citing. If you are citing specific lines, include those after the page number: (Frost 16, lines 23-26). For APA format, write the author's name, the year of publication and the page number from which you drew the information preceded by "p.": (Frost, 1997, p. 16). Do not include a page number if you are citing a website unless you are citing a PDF or another website that includes page numbers.

Create a footnote if you are using Chicago format. Write the poet's last name, the title of the poem, the name of the poem's anthology or the website from which you drew the poem, and the anthology or website's editor. Include the publisher, year and location of publication if you are citing a print poem and the URL and date of retrieval if you are citing a website. Place the page number and any specific lines from which you drew the information at the end of this footnote.

If you are citing an epic or classic poem, cite the canto, act and scene or book instead of the page number:

Yeats, William Butler, "When You Are Old," in Selected Poems: Fourth Edition, ed. M. L. Rosenthal (New York: Scribner Paperback Poetry, 1996),14, line 5.

Dante, "The Divine Comedy: Purgatorio," trans. John D. Sinclair (London, Oxford University Press, 1961), Canto XXVII, lines 34-36.

Dickinson, Emily, "I Heard A Fly Buzz," Women's Studies Database Reading Room at the University of Maryland, n.d., http://www.mith2.umd.edu/WomensStudies/ReadingRoom/Poetry/Dickinson/i-heard-a-fly-buzz (accessed April 21, 2011).

Bibliography

Cite the poem in your bibliography according to the format you are using in the rest of the essay. For MLA format, include the author's last and first name, the title of the poem in quotation marks, the italicized title of the poem's anthology, the page number of the poem and the anthology's editor, date and place of publication and publisher. If the poem is a novel-length poem contained within a single volume, cite it as you would a novel.

If you found the poem online, cite it as you would any other website, including your date of access. Write "n.d." if no publication date is available.

Cite a short poem like this:

Yeats, William Butler. "When You Are Old." Selected Poems: Fourth Edition. Ed. M. L. Rosenthal. New York: Scribner Paperback Poetry, 1996.14.

Cite a long poem like this:

Virgil. The Aeneid. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Vintage Classics. 1990.

Cite an online poem like this:

Dickinson, Emily. "I Heard a Fly Buzz." Women's Studies Database Reading Room at the University of Maryland. n.d. Web. 21 April 2011.

Cite the poet, date of publication, poem title, editor, anthology name, page number and date and location of publication for APA format. Cite a long poem as you would a novel. Cite a poem you found online with the poet's name, the website's editor, the name of the website, the retrieval date and the URL.

Yeats, William Butler (1996) When you are old. In M.L. Rosenthal (Ed.), Selected poems: fourth edition (p. 14). New York: Scribner Paperback Poetry.

Virgil (1990). The Aeneid. R. Fitzgerald (trans.). New York: Vintage Classics.

Dickinson, Emily (n.d.). I heard a fly buzz. In Women's Studies Database Reading Room at the University of Maryland (ed.), Selected poems by Emily Dickinson. Retrieved April 21, 2011 from http://www.mith2.umd.edu/.

Cite a bibliographic entry for Chicago Manual of Style as you would a footnote, replacing the commas with periods and omitting line numbers.

Virgil. The Aeneid. Translated by Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Vintage Classics, 1990.

Dickinson, Emily. "I Heard a Fly Buzz." Women's Studies Database Reading Room at the University of Maryland, n.d. http://www.mith2.umd.edu/(accessed April 21, 2011).

Daily Writing Tips: Rules for Capitalization in Titles
Purdue Online Writing Lab: MLA Works Cited Page: Books
Purdue Online Writing Lab: MLA Works Cited Page: Electronic Sources

A resident of the Baltimore area, Rachel Kolar has been writing since 2001. Her educational research was featured at the Maryland State Department of Education Professional Schools Development Conference in 2008. Kolar holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kenyon College and a Master of Arts in teaching from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

How do I cite an anonymously translated poem?

If a translator’s name is not provided in the source, then skip that element in your works-cited-list entry. Follow the MLA template of core elements , leaving the translator’s name out of the Contributor element:

Baudelaire, Charles. “Autumn.” My Poetic Side , mypoeticside.com/show-classic-poem-2171.

Crediting authors and contributors is essential, so if you know the work you are citing has been translated, always be sure to check the source thoroughly to see if a translator’s name is included anywhere.

IMAGES

Tips on Citing a Poem in MLA Style
Tips on Citing a Poem in MLA Style
How to Cite a Poem Using The MLA Academic Style
How to Quote and Cite a Poem in an Essay Using MLA Format
Cite poems in MLA/APA Style [With Examples]
Cite A Poem

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Introduction to Poetry

COMMENTS

How to Cite a Poem in MLA
2-3 lines. If you quote two or three lines, use a forward slash to mark the line breaks. Put a space before and after the slash. Make sure to use the same punctuation, capitalization, and styling as in the original text. Poetry quotation with line breaks.
How to Quote and Cite a Poem in an Essay Using MLA Format
2. Type short quotations of three lines or less in the text of your essay. Insert a slash with a space on each side to separate the lines of the poem. Type the lines verbatim as they appear in the poem--do not paraphrase. [2] Capitalize the first letter of each new line of poetry.
How to Cite a Poem in MLA
If the poem spreads across two or more pages, use "pp." For example, if the poem is from page 26-29, put pp. 26-29. Follow the page number with a period to end your citation. Citing a Poem from an Anthology. The guidelines for citing a poem from an anthology are different from the guidelines for citing a poem found online or even in a ...
MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics
When you cite a work that appears inside a larger source (for instance, an article in a periodical or an essay in a collection), cite the author of the internal source (i.e., the article or essay). For example, to cite Albert Einstein's article "A Brief Outline of the Theory of Relativity," which was published in Nature in 1921, you might write ...
Style and Formatting Guide for Citing a Work of Poetry
Capitalize whatever is capitalized in the original poem. Include the author's name, the title(s) of the poem(s), and the line number(s) in the text (for better source integration) or within a parenthetical citation. If the passage you are quoting ends with a period, you may omit it because the period ending your sentence will serve in its place.
How to Cite a Poem in MLA and APA Styles
If the poem citation was taken from a book, it should be made in the following format: Poet's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Poem.". Title of Book: Subtitle (if any), edited by Editor's First Name Last Name, Edition (if given and is not first), Publisher's Name (often shortened), Year of Publication, pp. xx-xx.
Tips on Citing a Poem in MLA Style
To cite a poem in an essay, you include quotation marks around a short quote or three lines or less. You separate the lines using a forward slash (/) between the stanzas. For a block quote, or 4 lines or more, separate the quote from the rest of the text with a 5-inch margin. You lead into the quote with a lead-in sentence.
How to cite poems in MLA and APA Styles (With Examples)
When you have a short poem's title, it must be placed in double quotations. There is no need to underline the poem's title in MLA or add italics. For example: "When The Last Tree Falls". However, when you are dealing with the Iliad or a poem that is book-length, there is no need to add quotes. Add italics instead:
How To Cite A Poem In MLA ~ Format & Examples
Poem in an anthology. How to cite a poem in MLA where a poem is included in an edited series: Use the format above but include the editors' names. MLA format: Last name of the Author, First Name. "Title of Poem." Book's Title, edited by First name of Editor, Last name, Year of Publish, Page numbers (s).
How to Quote and Cite a Poem in an MLA Essay (A Guide)
When citing a poem in your essay, you must cite it in-text and on the reference page. Citing a poem in-text has a few rules that you need to follow. The most important rule is clearly stating the author's last name. The purpose of doing this is to enable the reader to quickly locate the author of the work and the associated source on your ...
Practical Guide To Citing And Quoting A Poem In MLA Format
Citing and Quoting a Poem in MLA Format -How to properly cite a quote in MLA format from a poem. The basic format for an in-text citation of a poem in MLA is to include the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. The author's name can be mentioned in the sentence or enclosed in parentheses, while the page number(s) should always appear in ...
How to Cite a Poem: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples
When citing a poem, include the author's last name and the line numbers in parentheses. If the poem does not have line numbers, use the page number instead. Here are a few examples: - Quoting a line from a poem with line numbers: "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" (Frost 1). - Quoting multiple lines from a poem with line numbers ...
Everything You Need to Know About Citing a Poem
Citing poetry can be confusing across different citation styles. Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash. APA style. Although commonly used for citing sources within the field of behavioral and social sciences, APA is the style guide of the American Psychological Association (APA) and can be required for essays citing poetry. In-text citations
MLA Style Guide, 8th & 9th Editions: Poetry
Poem by an anonymous poet (Anonymous 11-12) For poems, cite the line(s) of the poem, rather than the page number in the in-text citation. Anonymous. "Barbara Allan". Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama, edited by Robert DiYanni, 6th ed., McGraw Hill, 2007, pp. 1056-57. Part of a book from an online database (poem, chapter, essay ...
How to Quote a Poem in APA Referencing
Place the quoted text within quotation marks. Cite the author's surname and year of publication in brackets. If available, include a page number for the quoted passage. Otherwise, a single line of poetry will look like any other quote. If you're quoting two lines from a poem, though, you will need to include a include a forward slash to ...
How To Cite Poetry In Essay
Citing poems in an essay can be a challenge, but with the right guidance, you can easily cite a poem using the correct citation style. Remember to always include all relevant information in the citation, including author's name, publication date, and page number. By using the correct citation format, you can avoid any claims of plagiarism and ...
How do I cite a poem in the text in MLA?
The following rules apply when citing information from a note in an MLA in-text citation: To cite information from a single numbered note, write "n" after the page number, and then write the note number, e.g. (Smith 105n2) To cite information from multiple numbered notes, write "nn" and include a range, e.g. (Smith 77nn1-2)
Citing a Poem
Citing Poem Lines. If referring to specific lines within a poem, like when using a quote, line numbers are used. Use the poet's last name and the line numbers in the in-text citation. If it is a short poem (less than a page), line numbers are optional. If it is a very long poem and has named divisions (e.g., canto or book), include these ...
How to Quote a Poem in an Essay: Best ways
In-Text Citation: When quoting a poem, include the poet's last name and the line number (s) in parentheses at the end of the quote. Place the punctuation outside the closing parenthesis. Example: "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" (Frost 1). Quoting Fewer Than Four Lines:
How to Cite a Poem Using APA Style: References & More
2. Indicate line breaks. If you quote more than one line of poetry within the main body of your essay, you must indicate where the line breaks are. Do this by including a forward slash (/) between each line. [2] For example, cite two line of a poem like this: "Some say the world will end end fire, / Some say in ice."
MLA Formatting and Style Guide
For example, if you want to cite a poem that is listed in a collection of poems, the individual poem is the source, while the larger collection is the container. The title of the container is usually italicized and followed by a comma, since the information that follows next describes the container. ... An essay in a book or an article in a ...
MLA Formatting Quotations
When citing long sections of poetry (four lines of verse or more), keep formatting as close to the original as possible. ... In an essay on urban legends, Jan Harold Brunvand notes that "some individuals make a point of learning every recent rumor or tale . . . and in a short time a lively exchange of details occurs" (78).
How to Reference a Poem Title in an Essay
Bibliography Step 1. Cite the poem in your bibliography according to the format you are using in the rest of the essay. For MLA format, include the author's last and first name, the title of the poem in quotation marks, the italicized title of the poem's anthology, the page number of the poem and the anthology's editor, date and place of publication and publisher.
How do I cite an anonymously translated poem?
If a translator's name is not provided in the source, then skip that element in your works-cited-list entry. Follow the MLA template of core elements, leaving the translator's name out of the Contributor element:. Baudelaire, Charles.
How to quote a poem in an essay : r/Essay_Factory
When quoting a poem in an essay, it's essential to follow specific formatting guidelines to ensure accuracy and clarity. Here's how to quote a poem correctly: Cite the poem correctly: Begin by providing the author's name and the title of the poem you're quoting. For example, if you're quoting the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, you ...

How to Cite a Poem in MLA

What You Need

Citing a Poem Found Online

Citing a Poem from a Book

Citing a Poem from an Anthology

In-Text Citations

Quoting Up to Three Lines of Poetry

Quoting Four or More Lines of Poetry

Citation Guides

Plagiarism Checker

How to Cite a Poem: MLA and APA Formatting Quotations

When to Use Poem Quotes

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Citing Poem Quotes in MLA Style

Citing a Short Quote

Citing a Long Quote

Citing the Title of the Poem

How to Cite a Poem in APA Style?

Tips and Tricks on How to Cite a Poem

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How To Cite A Poem In MLA – Format & Examples

How to Cite a Poem in MLA – In a Nutshell

Definition: MLA poem citation

How to cite a poem in MLA

How to cite a poem in MLA – In-text citation

How to cite a poem in MLA – Works Cited entry

Poem in a book

Poem on a website

How is a poem cited in the text in MLA?

What is a block quote in MLA poem citation?

When should I include a line number in a poem?

Can I count lines manually when citing a poem?

Quoting and Citing a Poem in MLA: Tips, Steps, and Insights

When to Quote a Poem

1. When Absolutely Necessary

2. When You Want To Support Your Arguments

Essential Tips to Quote a Poem in MLA

1. How to Quote a Single Line of Poetry in Your MLA Essay

2. How to Quote Two or Three Lines of Poetry

3. How to Quote Four or More Lines of Poetry

How to cite a poem in an MLA Paper or Essay

A. How to cite a poem with no line numbers or page numbers

B. How to cite a poem with line numbers

C. How to cite a poem with page numbers

D. How to cite a poem multiple times

Citing a poem on the reference page MLA

A. How to cite a poem found online

B. How to cite a poem from a book

C. How to cite a poem from an anthology

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Citing and Quoting a Poem in MLA Format -How to properly cite a quote in MLA format from a poem

How to quote up to three lines of poetry:

Citing a Poem from Print Sources in MLA

Citing a Poem from Online Sources in MLA

How to create a Works Cited Page in MLA

1. Start a New Page

2. Format Your Entries

3. Follow the Correct Formatting

Key MLA Formatting Guidelines for Citing a Poem

Source Links

How do I cite a poem in MLA format?

What if I don’t know the line numbers?

How do I format the citation in the Works Cited page?

Can I use a shortened version of the poem title in the in-text citation?

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How to Cite a Poem: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

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