Citing a Novel in MLA Style: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to citing a novel in MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the process is relatively straightforward. MLA is a widely used academic writing style that provides a standard way to format papers and citations. This article will guide you through the proper citation format for novels.

Basic Novel Citations in MLA Style

Novel citations in any citation style, including MLA, are among the simplest. They follow the structure of a book citation. Here is the basic format for a novel citation in MLA style:

Format:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Porterfield, Charles. A Log of Seven Brothers. Lighthouse Book Corporation, 1961.

This format is typically straightforward and can be found in any MLA citation guide. However, for those who prefer a more automated approach, many online tools can generate MLA citations. These tools can be particularly useful for ensuring accuracy and saving time.

Quotations from Novels

It's important to note that it is quite unusual to cite a novel as a whole in an academic paper unless the entire text is being referenced. When you use a quotation from a novel, the citation follows a different format. You would typically introduce the quotation with a signal phrase, such as:

“... as X suggested in his novel 'Title'...”

This approach is sufficient and does not require an entry in the Works Cited section. The Works Cited section is reserved for sources that you discuss in the text of your paper, such as secondary sources.

Example of a Works Cited Entry

For a more detailed example of an entry in the Works Cited section, let's look at the citation for the novel mentioned:

Doe, John. A History of Lucy. Random House, 2015.

If you were to include a quotation from this novel in your paper, you would cite it as follows:

In text: 'The main character is a physician trained in France' (Doe 135).

Remember, if you are using MLA, the in-text citation will follow (Author's Last Name Page Number).

Online Resources for MLA Citations

For more detailed guidance and examples, you can consult the OWL Purdue Writing Lab. This online resource is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of MLA formatting and citation.

Conclusion

Novel citations in MLA style are relatively simple to understand and apply. Whether you are using a citation generator or following the guidelines manually, the process remains consistent. For any further questions or detailed examples, the Purdue OWL is a valuable resource.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhere to the standards of academic writing.