How to cite Romeo and Juliet in MLA


Topics covered: 1-3 lines of verse (0:54), 1-3 lines of Shakespeare/plays (1:40), block quotes (2:14), dialogue 2 or more characters (2:54), using an ellipsis">


If you do decide to use the quote from the source you are using, however, you must recognize both sources. For example, in the Critical Insights series, we have a popular book of critical analysis called Things for Apart.

To cite Shakespeare, use parenthetical citations that include the act, scene, and line numbers at the end of the related passages. Be sure to cite both direct quotes and paraphrased sections! Remember to pull direct quotes from Shakespeare's original works rather than books about his works. When quoting a passage, always indicate which character is speaking by introducing them in your own writing, or including their name in capital letters at the beginning of the verse.

[PDF] How to Quote from Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s works follow a unique citation method that is specific to them. All citations are done parenthetically, which means that they appear within the text of your paper inside parentheses. There is certain information that must be included in citations of plays, including the act, scene and line numbers. Format them properly so that your reader knows exactly where your quoted material comes from.

Creating works cited entries for works about Shakespeare and his plays follows the same pattern as any other author. Use the and follow the core elements to organize your sources correctly. Now that you have the know-how, give it a try.

Now that you know how to cite Shakespeare, it is time to watch it in action. View how “Hamlet” quotes would look in-text and in your works cited.

Learn how to create in-text citations and a full citation/reference/note for Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare using the examples below. Romeo and Juliet is cited in 14 different citation styles, including MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, APA, ACS, and many others.


How to Cite Romeo and Juliet in MLA

Acts, scenes and lines, oh my! You must be figuring out how to cite Shakespeare in your MLA paper. When it comes to Shakespeare in your MLA citation