George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) is a dystopian masterpiece frequently assigned in literature courses. Understanding how to cite it correctly using Modern Language Association (MLA) format is crucial for academic integrity. This guide breaks down how to cite 1984 in MLA format, covering various scenarios and addressing common questions.
How to Cite 1984 in MLA Format: The Basics
The core of an MLA citation for 1984 depends on the edition you're using. Generally, you'll need the author's name, the title, the publisher, the publication date, and the medium (print or ebook).
Example (Print Edition):
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Harcourt, Inc., 1949.
Example (Ebook Edition):
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Signet Classics, 2003. Kindle Edition.
Notice the italicization of the book title and the use of a comma after the author's name. The publication information follows, with the publisher and year. For ebooks, specify the format (e.g., Kindle Edition, EPUB). Always verify the publication information against your specific copy of the book.
Different Editions and Their Citations
Different publishers release 1984 with varying publication dates and details. Always include the edition information if it significantly differs from a standard edition (e.g., an annotated edition or a specific anniversary edition).
Example (Annotated Edition):
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Edited by [Editor's Name], [Publisher], [Year], [Edition details].
In-Text Citations: Referencing 1984 in Your Essay
When referencing specific passages or ideas from 1984 within your essay, you'll use in-text citations. These typically include the author's last name and the page number.
Example:
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears" (Orwell 6).
If you are using multiple works by the same author, include a shortened title to differentiate the works. For example, if you are citing both 1984 and Animal Farm, your citation would look like this:
"(Orwell, 1984 6)" and "(Orwell, Animal Farm 12)"
Works Cited Page: Listing 1984
Your Works Cited page is a separate page at the end of your essay. It lists all the sources you've cited. Your entry for 1984 will appear alphabetically by the author's last name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I cite a specific chapter of 1984?
MLA doesn't require citing individual chapters in the in-text citation. However, if you want to specifically refer to a chapter, you can mention it in your sentence, for example: "In Part Two of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Winston's relationship with Julia intensifies..." (Orwell 125). You still cite the page number(s).
What if I used an online version of 1984?
For online versions, you will need to include a URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available. If there's no DOI, use the URL. However, URLs can change frequently, so consider using a stable URL or, if available, a DOI.
Do I need to cite a specific translation of 1984?
Yes, if you are using a translation that is not the original English language version, you should include the translator's name in your citation. For example:
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Translated by [Translator's Name], [Publisher], [Year].
How do I cite a critical essay about 1984?
You would cite a critical essay about 1984 like any other essay, using the author's name, the essay title, and the publication information. Then, you'd include the essay in your Works Cited page.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently cite 1984 in your academic papers, ensuring accuracy and complying with MLA formatting standards. Remember always to double-check your specific edition for precise publication details.
