Citing Lord of the Flies in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide
Citing sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to cite William Golding's Lord of the Flies using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, covering various citation scenarios.
Basic In-Text Citation:
For a general reference to the novel, include the author's last name and page number(s) in parentheses after the relevant quote or information. For example:
"The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon" (Golding 1).
If you mention the author's name in your sentence, only the page number is needed in the parentheses:
Golding describes Ralph's descent to the lagoon with evocative imagery (1).
Multiple Works by the Same Author:
If you're citing multiple works by William Golding, include a shortened title in your in-text citation to differentiate between them. For example, if you're also citing Pincher Martin, you might write:
The themes of societal collapse are prevalent in both Lord of the Flies (Golding, Lord 12) and Pincher Martin (Golding, Pincher 57).
Indirect Quotes:
If you're paraphrasing or summarizing information from Lord of the Flies, you still need to cite the source, even if you don't use a direct quote:
The boys' descent into savagery is a central theme of the novel (Golding). While you don't need page numbers for paraphrases, including them strengthens your citation.
Different Editions:
If you're using a different edition of Lord of the Flies, be sure to note the edition information in your Works Cited entry (see below). This is crucial for others to locate the exact text you referenced.
Works Cited Entry:
Your Works Cited page will list the full bibliographic information for Lord of the Flies. Here’s the basic format:
Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. [Publisher], [Year of Publication].
Example Works Cited Entry (using a specific edition):
Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber & Faber, 1954.
Important Considerations:
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Publisher and Publication Date: These are crucial components of your Works Cited entry. The publication information can usually be found on the copyright page of your book. If you are using an eBook version, the information may be found within the metadata.
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Edition: If using an edition other than the first, include the edition number after the title (e.g., Lord of the Flies, 2nd ed.).
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Consistency: Maintain consistency in your formatting throughout your paper and Works Cited page.
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MLA Handbook: For the most up-to-date guidelines and variations, always consult the official MLA Handbook.
By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively cite Lord of the Flies in your academic work, demonstrating your understanding of MLA style and upholding the principles of academic integrity. Remember that precision and accuracy are key.
