Introduction:
Citing a play or movie script in academic writing requires a 3 pronged approach when the information is available. In this short guide, we explore the intricacies of in-text citations for scripts, offering clarity on seamlessly integrating dramatic works into your scholarly writing using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.
Authorship: In MLA, the author’s name plays a central role in in-text citations. For a play, the author’s name is written in plain text with no special formatting. For instance, if you’re referencing Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the in-text citation would be (Shakespeare 2.2.45), indicating Act 2, Scene 2, Line 45.
Example: “To be or not to be, that is the question” (Shakespeare 3.1.64). When dealing with a movie script, it’s common to use the name of the screenwriter or the principal writer associated with the script. A movie script example is “Here’s looking at you, kid” (Bogart and Bergman).
No Page Numbers? No Problem: Play scripts often lack page numbers, unlike standard book citations. Instead, use the act, scene, and line numbers. For example, (Miller 1.3.14-17) would refer to Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 14-17 in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.”
Abbreviating Titles: MLA guidelines suggest abbreviating long titles. For plays, commonly abbreviated titles include “Romeo and Juliet” (Rom.) or “Macbeth” (Mac.). For movies, it’s acceptable to use the title without abbreviations unless it’s excessively long.
Example: In “Rom. 2.2.33,” Juliet contemplates the nature of names.
Indirect Sources: If you’re citing a play or movie script indirectly (i.e., citing a source that discusses the script rather than the script itself), mention the original work’s title in your text and provide the secondary source in your citation entry.
Example: As explored in “The Great Gatsby” script (qtd. in Smith 45), the green light symbolizes…
Punctuation: When incorporating a script quote into your sentence, include the citation after the final punctuation mark.
Example: Hamlet declares, “To be or not to be, that is the question” (Shakespeare 3.1.64).
A Famous Example: Let’s take a famous short play, “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams, and provide an example of an in-text citation in MLA format. Here’s a snippet from the play:
From “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams:
TOM: [narrating] “Yes, I have tricks in my pocket, I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion.”
(Williams 5.1.1-3)
In this example:
- The author’s last name is provided (Williams).
- The act, scene, and line numbers are included (5.1.1-3), indicating Act 5, Scene 1, Lines 1-3. When students cite this excerpt in their papers, they can use the following in-text citation: (Tom, “The Glass Menagerie” 5.1.1-3) This citation allows readers to locate the specific lines in the play. Students should then include a corresponding entry in their Works Cited page for the full citation: Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie. New Directions, 1945.
Note: The actual format might vary slightly based on the play’s edition, and students should consult the specific edition they are using to ensure accurate citation.
Conclusion:
Citing play and movie scripts in MLA requires attention to detail and an understanding of the unique elements of dramatic works. By following these guidelines, you can seamlessly integrate quotes from scripts into your academic writing, allowing your readers to follow the performance as if they were seated in the front row. Remember, the key is to provide enough information in the in-text citation for readers to locate the corresponding entry on your Works Cited page, ensuring your scholarly work is accurate, precise, and in accordance with MLA standards.
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