MLA Format Examples

In A Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker read pages 116-121 and also page 126 point # 19 about how to cite verse plays and poems. Information about how to do a works cited list begins on page 127.

Basically, since you are comparing two works, whenever you quote from one or the other, you must put the author’s last name in parenthesis and the page or line number.

Examples:

Odysseus shows he doubts his own abilities, when he asks Athena, “I am one man; how can I whip those dogs? / They are always here in force” (Homer 20.44-45). It is clear that Odysseus knows he is outnumbered, and although he has no respect for the suitors, since he calls them dogs, he know the odds are against him.

Note:The citation means the quote is taken from Homer’s work, book 20, verses 44-45. Note the period goes after the parenthesis. Pay attention to punctuation. The / means there is a line break there.

In the song, “Dangerous Eyes,” Odysseus reveals his difficulty in resisting temptation when he says, “I look too deep again / Dangerous eyes, dangerous eyes” (DiCalogero 7-8). The word “again” indicates that this temptation is a continual problem for Odysseus. “Dangerous eyes” means that his eyes often get him in trouble.

Note: Titles of books go in italics; titles of poems, songs, or short stories go in quotation marks. Make sure each quote is “sandwiched.” That means it must be introduced and explained.

Works Cited

DiCalogero,Charlene. “Dangerous Eyes.” 2003.

Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Farrar, 1998.

Note: Alphabetize entries by the authors’ last name. Pay attention to punctuation. Periods separate the author, title, and publishing information.

HOMEWORK:

  • Type up your body paragraphs which will include your three to five main points of comparison.
  • For each point, you need at least one quote, either from the Odyssey or the song/poem that you are going to analyze.
  • Make sure to use the MLA format for including your quotations.
  • Also type up the works cited page.

Revised Due Dates for Odyssey Essay Assignment:

  • Wednesday, Nov 19: Outline
  • Thursday, Nov 20: Typed body paragraphs, including quotes, and works cited page.
  • Friday, Nov 21: Rough draft, including introduction and conclusion.
  • Monday, Nov 24: Final Draft.

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