Poetry In Mla

When exploring the realm of poetry through the lens of the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of how to cite and analyze poetic works effectively. The MLA style, now in its eighth edition, provides a comprehensive guide for formatting research papers and citing sources, including poems. Whether you’re delving into the works of renowned poets like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, or Sylvia Plath, or analyzing contemporary poetry, MLA guidelines offer a standardized approach to presenting your work.

Citing Poems in MLA Style

Citing poems in MLA style involves understanding the nuances of both in-text citations and the Works Cited page entries. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach both:

In-Text Citations for Poems

• For Short Poems (Less than one page): When citing a short poem, you include the poet’s last name and the line numbers in parentheses. For example: (Dickinson 12-13)
• For Long Poems (More than one page): For longer poems, you include the poet’s last name and the page number(s) where the cited material can be found, followed by the line numbers: (Whitman 23; lines 1-5)

Works Cited Page Entries for Poems

• Poem in a Collection: Lastname, Firstname. “Poem Title.” Collection Title, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
  • Example: Dickinson, Emily. “Hope is the Thing with Feathers.” The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by Thomas H. Johnson, Little, Brown and Company, 1955, pp. 116.
• Poem in an Anthology: Lastname, Firstname. “Poem Title.” Anthology Title, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers.
  • Example: Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym, W.W. Norton & Company, 2003, pp. 2035-2036.
• Poem from a Website: Lastname, Firstname. “Poem Title.” Website Title, Day Month Year of Publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
  • Example: Plath, Sylvia. “Tulips.” The Poetry Foundation, 24 Mar. 2020, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/55394/tulips. Accessed 10 Apr. 2023.

Analyzing Poetry in MLA Style

When analyzing poetry in MLA style, it’s crucial to engage deeply with the text, considering elements such as imagery, metaphor, theme, and tone. Here are some steps to enhance your analysis:

1. Read the Poem Multiple Times: The first step in analyzing a poem is to read it several times. Each reading can reveal new layers of meaning as you become more familiar with the poet’s language and structure.
2. Identify Key Literary Devices: Poetry is rich in literary devices such as symbolism, allusion, and personification. Identifying these can unlock the poem’s deeper meanings and themes.
3. Consider the Historical and Cultural Context: The time period and cultural background in which a poem was written can significantly influence its themes and references. Researching the context can provide valuable insights into the poet’s intentions and the poem’s significance.
4. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement: Your analysis should be guided by a clear and focused thesis statement that outlines your argument or interpretation of the poem. This statement should be supported by evidence from the poem itself.
5. Use Quotes Effectively: Incorporating quotes from the poem into your analysis allows you to support your arguments with the poet’s own words. Remember to introduce quotes with a signal phrase and to explain their significance after presenting them.

Structuring Your Essay

When structuring your essay, consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Introduce the poem and poet, provide background information, and include a thesis statement that outlines your analysis.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a different aspect of the poem, such as its use of imagery, exploration of a particular theme, or employment of specific literary devices. Use quotes from the poem to support your analysis.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your thesis statement, providing some final thoughts on the poem’s significance or implications.

Formatting Your Essay

MLA style has specific guidelines for formatting your essay:

• Double-space your text.
• Use a legible font (usually 12-point Times New Roman).
• Set your margins to one inch on all sides.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch.
• Use headings and subheadings to organize longer papers.

By following these guidelines and immersing yourself in the world of poetry through an MLA lens, you can create comprehensive analyses and papers that showcase your understanding and appreciation of poetic works. Remember, the key to successful analysis is a combination of careful reading, thoughtful consideration of literary elements, and adherence to MLA formatting and citation standards.