How to Cite a Poem

Citing a poem in academic writing can be a bit tricky, but it's important to do it properly in order to give credit to the author and avoid plagiarism. Here are some tips on how to cite a poem correctly:

Format

Poems should be cited using the same format as any other type of literature. This typically means using MLA or APA style. If you are unsure which format to use, consult with your professor or check the guidelines of the publication you are submitting your work to.

Title

The title of the poem should be enclosed in quotation marks. For example, "The Road Not Taken."

Author

Include the author's name in the citation. If the author is not already mentioned in the text, include their name in parentheses following the poem's title. For example, "The Road Not Taken" (Robert Frost).

Line numbers

When citing a poem, it's important to include the line numbers. This is because the location of a line can be significant in poetry, and it helps readers find the quoted text. Use the abbreviation "l." for one line, "ll." for multiple lines, and give the line numbers separated by a hyphen. For example, (lines 5-10).

Source

Include the source of the poem in the citation, such as the book or website where it was found. This is important for readers who may want to look up the poem for further reading. If the poem was found online, include the date of access and the URL.

Here's an example of a poem citation in MLA format:

Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken." The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym, 8th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2012, pp. 1134-35.

And here's an example of an APA-style citation:

Frost, R. (1916). The Road Not Taken. Mountain Interval, Henry Holt and Company.

Remember, always check the specific requirements of your assignment or publication for the proper citation format. Following these guidelines will ensure that you give proper credit to the author of the poem and avoid plagiarism.

 

List Examples of "how to cite a poem"

Here are some examples of how to cite a poem in different formats:

MLA Format

Poem by a single author, published in a collection: Frost, Robert. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, edited by Edward Connery Lathem, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969, pp. 304-05.

Poem by a single author, published online: Eliot, T. S. "The Waste Land." Bartleby.com, 1922, www.bartleby.com/201/1.html.

Poem by multiple authors, published in an anthology: Rich, Adrienne, et al. "An Atlas of the Difficult World: VIII." The Norton Anthology of Poetry, edited by Margaret Ferguson et al., 5th ed., Norton, 2005, p. 1381.

APA Format

Poem by a single author: Dickinson, E. (1890). I'm Nobody! Who Are You? Poems: Third Series. Roberts Brothers.

Poem by multiple authors, published in an anthology: Hughes, L., & Harper, M. (Eds.). (2010). The Norton Anthology of African American Literature (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.

These are just a few examples, and the citation format may vary depending on the specific source and style guide being used. It's always a good idea to double-check with the appropriate style guide or your instructor for the correct citation format.