George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) is a dystopian masterpiece frequently assigned in literature courses. Understanding how to properly cite this seminal work using Modern Language Association (MLA) format is crucial for academic integrity and effective research. This guide will walk you through citing 1984 in various contexts, addressing common questions and providing clear examples.
What is MLA Format?
MLA format is a widely accepted academic citation style used primarily in the humanities. It emphasizes brevity and clarity, ensuring that sources are properly acknowledged to avoid plagiarism. Key elements include in-text citations and a Works Cited page at the end of your paper.
Citing 1984 in Your Essay: In-Text Citations
When referencing 1984 within your essay, you'll use in-text citations. These brief references direct the reader to the full citation on your Works Cited page. The format depends on whether you're quoting directly or paraphrasing.
Direct Quote:
If you're quoting directly from 1984, enclose the quote in quotation marks and include the page number in parentheses after the quote. For example:
“Big Brother is watching you” (Orwell 3).
Paraphrase:
When paraphrasing, you don't need quotation marks, but you still need to cite the source using the author's last name and page number:
Orwell depicts a totalitarian regime where individual thought is suppressed and the Party maintains absolute control (3).
How to Cite Different Editions of 1984
MLA style requires you to provide sufficient information to allow readers to locate the specific edition you used. This may involve adding publication information beyond the author and title.
Example for a Common Edition:
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Signet Classics, 2003.
Example if using a specific edition with unique identifying information (like an editor):
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Edited by Irving Howe, Signet Classics, 2003.
Example with an online edition (requires URL):
Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm.
Creating Your Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper. It lists all the sources you cited in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Here are examples for various editions:
Works Cited Examples
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Standard Edition: Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Signet Classics, 2003.
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Edition with Editor: Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Edited by Irving Howe, Signet Classics, 2003.
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Online Edition: Orwell, George. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm. Accessed 20 Oct. 2023.
What if 1984 is part of an anthology?
If you're referencing 1984 from an anthology (a collection of works), you'll need to cite both the anthology and the specific pages of 1984.
Example:
Orwell, George. “Nineteen Eighty-Four.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt et al., vol. 2, W. W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 2500-2650.
How do I cite a specific chapter or part of 1984?
If you're citing a specific part of 1984, such as a chapter, include that in your citation. You would do so in the in-text citation and it's generally not necessary to add the section details to the works cited.
Example:
Orwell describes the Party's manipulation of language in Chapter 5 (Orwell 105).
What is the best way to avoid plagiarism when citing 1984?
The best way to avoid plagiarism is to meticulously document every time you refer to Orwell's work. This includes direct quotes, paraphrases, and even summaries of ideas. Always cite the page number, even when paraphrasing. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and cite your source.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of citing 1984 using MLA format. Remember to always double-check your citations and consult the latest MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.
