how to quote romeo and juliet

3 min read 16-01-2025

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a cornerstone of English literature, frequently studied and analyzed. Knowing how to properly quote the play is crucial for academic papers, essays, and even casual conversation. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your citations are accurate and effective.

Understanding Different Citation Styles

Before diving into the specifics of quoting Romeo and Juliet, it's important to understand the different citation styles you might encounter. The most common are MLA, APA, and Chicago. Each has its own formatting rules, so you'll need to adhere to the style guide specified by your instructor or publication.

MLA Style

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in humanities disciplines. It generally uses in-text citations with a corresponding Works Cited page.

APA Style

APA (American Psychological Association) style is frequently used in social sciences. Its in-text citations are similar to MLA, but the reference list format differs.

Chicago Style

Chicago style is often used in history and other fields. It offers both a notes-bibliography and an author-date system.

Formatting Your Quotes from Romeo and Juliet

Regardless of the citation style, quoting Romeo and Juliet involves several key steps:

1. Identify the Act, Scene, and Line Numbers

Shakespearean plays are divided into acts and scenes. Within each scene, lines are numbered. This numerical system is crucial for precise referencing. For example:

Incorrect: "Romeo says something really romantic."
Correct: "Romeo declares, 'But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?' (II.ii.2)."

Always include the act, scene, and line numbers in parentheses after the quote. You can usually find these numbers in the edition of the play you are using.

2. Short Quotes (Fewer than Four Lines)

Short quotes are integrated directly into your sentence. Enclose the quote in double quotation marks. Punctuation goes outside the closing quotation mark unless it is part of the original quote.

Example: Romeo exclaims, "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?" (II.ii.2).

3. Long Quotes (Four Lines or More)

Long quotes are typically set off as block quotations. This means they are indented from the left margin without quotation marks. They are usually single-spaced.

Example:

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, (II.ii.2-5)

4. Ellipses and Brackets

Ellipses (...): Use ellipses to indicate omitted words from the original quote. This is acceptable as long as the meaning isn't altered.
Brackets [ ]: Use brackets to add your own words for clarification or to make the quote grammatically fit within your sentence.

Example: Romeo says, "He jests at scars that never felt a wound. [But] I have felt many wounds."

5. The Works Cited/Bibliography Page (MLA, APA, Chicago)

Each citation style requires a separate works cited or bibliography page listing the edition of Romeo and Juliet you used. Be sure to include the edition, publisher, and publication date. Consult a style guide for the precise formatting.

Example: Quoting Romeo and Juliet in MLA Style

Let's say you want to cite Juliet's famous line, "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" (II.ii.33). In MLA style, this would look like:

Juliet famously asks, "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" (II.ii.33).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect line numbers: Double-check your line numbers carefully.
Missing act and scene numbers: Always include these for context.
Inconsistent formatting: Follow your chosen style guide consistently.
Over-quoting: Select only the most relevant portions of the text.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively quote Romeo and Juliet in your writing, ensuring clarity and academic rigor. Remember to always consult a style guide for specific formatting requirements.