The Crucible: A Comprehensive Guide to MLA Works Cited Entries
Creating a flawless MLA Works Cited page for Arthur Miller's The Crucible can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the formatting guidelines, it becomes straightforward. This guide will walk you through different scenarios, ensuring your citations are accurate and reflect the specific edition you used.
Understanding the Basics of MLA 8th Edition
Before diving into the specifics of citing The Crucible, let's review the fundamental structure of an MLA works cited entry. Generally, entries follow this pattern:
- Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Work. Publisher, Publication Date.
The key is accuracy and consistency. Every detail, from the author's name to the publication date, is crucial for proper citation.
Citing Different Editions of The Crucible
The way you cite The Crucible will depend slightly on the edition you consulted. Here are examples for common scenarios:
Scenario 1: A Print Edition
Let's say you used a standard paperback edition of The Crucible. Here's how you'd cite it:
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Books, 2003.
- Note: Replace "Penguin Books" and "2003" with the actual publisher and publication date from your specific edition's title page.
Scenario 2: An Anthology or Collection
If The Crucible was part of a larger anthology or collection of plays, your citation needs to reflect that. The entry would look like this:
Miller, Arthur. "The Crucible." Title of Anthology, edited by Editor's Name(s), Publisher, Publication Date, pages.
- Example: Miller, Arthur. "The Crucible." American Drama: A Twentieth-Century Anthology, edited by Robert A. Martin, McGraw-Hill, 1999, pp. 325-400.
Scenario 3: An Electronic Edition (e.g., ebook)
For ebooks and online versions, you need to include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier). Here's an example:
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Publisher, Publication Date. URL or DOI
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Example (with URL): Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Random House, 2019. https://www.example.com/thecrucible
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Example (with DOI): Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Random House, 2019. doi:10.1234/example
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Important Note: Always prioritize the DOI over a URL. DOIs are persistent identifiers, meaning they are less likely to change than URLs.
Handling Multiple Authors or Editors
If the edition you used has multiple editors or authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page. Separate names with commas and use an ampersand (&) before the final name.
Example (Multiple Editors):
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Edited by Jane Doe & John Smith, Publisher, Publication Date.
Consistency and Accuracy are Key
Remember, the most critical aspect of creating a Works Cited page is accuracy. Carefully check the title page of your book for all the necessary information—publisher, publication date, edition number (if applicable), and even the city of publication for older editions. Any inconsistencies can undermine the credibility of your work.
This guide provides a solid foundation for citing The Crucible in MLA format. By following these examples and adapting them to your specific edition, you can ensure your citations are accurate, consistent, and adhere to the latest MLA guidelines. Always consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date information and for handling less common scenarios.
