The Crucible: A Guide to MLA Works Cited Entries
Creating a flawless MLA Works Cited page is crucial for academic integrity. This guide focuses specifically on citing different editions and formats of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, ensuring your research paper meets the highest standards. We'll cover common variations to help you avoid common citation errors.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation
Before diving into The Crucible specifics, let's refresh the fundamental structure of an MLA entry:
- Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Publication Information, Access Information (if applicable).
Citing Different Editions of The Crucible
The way you cite The Crucible will depend slightly on the edition you used. Here are examples covering various scenarios:
1. Standard Print Edition:
This is the most common scenario. You need the author, title, publisher, publication date, and city of publication.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Books, 2003.
2. Specific Edition with Editor:
If your edition includes an introduction or notes by an editor, you must include the editor's name.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Edited by Gerald Graff, Penguin Books, 2010.
3. Anthology or Collection:
If you accessed The Crucible within an anthology, your citation needs to reflect that. Include the anthology's title and editor(s).
Miller, Arthur. “The Crucible.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt et al., vol. 2, 8th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2020, pp. 2445-2520.
4. Electronic Edition (e.g., ebook):
For digital editions, include the platform or database where you accessed the text and the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/202/202-h/202-h.htm. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.
5. Play Script Edition:
If your copy is a play script version explicitly designed for theatrical production, you may want to emphasize this in the description.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Viking Press, 1953.
Important Considerations for Accuracy:
- Consistency: Use the same format consistently throughout your Works Cited page.
- Accuracy: Double-check all details against your copy of The Crucible, paying close attention to spelling and punctuation.
- Completeness: Include all necessary information for each entry.
Building a Strong Works Cited Page:
Remember, a well-formatted Works Cited page is not just a formality; it demonstrates your understanding of academic citation practices and reinforces the credibility of your research. By following these guidelines, you can create a polished and accurate MLA citation for The Crucible regardless of the edition you've consulted.
Disclaimer: This guide provides examples for common situations. For specific cases or uncommon editions, consult the latest MLA Handbook or a reputable style guide for further clarification. Always double-check your citations before submitting your work.
