How to Cite Poetry, Song Lyrics, & Plays in MLA Style

UPDATE: MLA has published a new, 8th edition. Some of the recommendations for citing are quite different. We are currently working on a new video series. Please see our online guide for help with MLA 8th edition:

This video explains how to cite verse (poetry, song lyrics, plays) according to the 7th edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 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 (3:17).

The content was created by Crystal Rose, Public Services Librarian, Memorial University Libraries, in partnership with the university's department of Distance Education, Learning & Teaching Support.

thanks for watching!

Other videos in this series:
How to Format Your Paper in MLA Style -
MLA Style Works Cited List: Citing Books -
MLA Style Works Cited List: Citing eBooks -
MLA Style Works Cited List: How to Cite Websites -
MLA Style Works Cited List: Citing Journal Articles -
MLA Style Works Cited List: Citing Newspapers & Magazines -
How to Cite Multiple Authors in MLA Style -
What to do with a "Citation Within a Citation" in MLA Style -

Song (Composition Type),Poetry (Literary School Or Movement),Lyrics,How-to (Media Genre),MLA Style Manual (Book),7th edition,William Shakespeare (Author),verse,Memorial University Of Newfoundland (Organization),Citation,help,in-text citing,Library (Building Function),Librarian (Occupation),Referencing,DELTS,Memorial University Libraries,MUN,Crystal Rose,Quotations,Block Quotes,seventh edition,research paper,Essay (Literary Genre),plays,act,scene,line numbers,