Gatsby MLA Citation: Tips, Tricks & Examples

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Gatsby MLA Citation: Tips, Tricks & Examples

Navigating the world of MLA citations can be tricky, especially when dealing with a complex work like The Great Gatsby. This guide provides clear tips, tricks, and examples to help you correctly cite The Great Gatsby and related materials in your MLA papers. Mastering these techniques will ensure your academic work is credible and avoids plagiarism.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation

Before diving into Gatsby-specific examples, let's review the fundamental principles of MLA style. MLA (Modern Language Association) style emphasizes brevity and clarity. Your goal is to provide enough information for your reader to easily locate the source. Key elements typically include:

• Author's Name: Last name, First name.
• Work Title: Italicize for longer works like books; use quotation marks for shorter works like poems or essays.
• Publication Information: This varies depending on the source type (publisher, date, etc.).

Citing The Great Gatsby Itself

The most common citation you'll need is for the novel itself. Here's how to cite F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby using the 8th edition of the MLA Handbook:

Example:

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.

Important Considerations:

• Different Editions: If you're using a different edition than the one listed above (e.g., a specific anniversary edition or a textbook version), include the edition number and publisher details.
• Multiple Authors: If the book has multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page.

Citing Specific Passages from The Great Gatsby

When you quote directly from the novel, you need to include a parenthetical citation with the page number.

Example: "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us." (Fitzgerald 180).

Important Considerations:

• Accuracy: Ensure the quote is exactly as it appears in the text. Use ellipses (...) to indicate omitted words, and use brackets [ ] to add clarifying words or information.
• Context: Always provide sufficient context around the quote to make its meaning clear to the reader.

Citing Secondary Sources on The Great Gatsby

You will likely consult critical essays, articles, or books analyzing The Great Gatsby. Here's how to cite those:

Example (Book):

Bloom, Harold, editor. Modern Critical Interpretations: The Great Gatsby. Chelsea House Publishers, 2007.

Example (Journal Article):

Miller, J. Hillis. "The Americanness of Fitzgerald." The American Scholar, vol. 77, no. 3, 2008, pp. 15-25.

Important Considerations:

• Database Information: If accessing the article through a database (JSTOR, EBSCOhost, etc.), you may need to include database information following the publication details. Consult your specific database's guidelines.

Citing Online Sources Related to The Great Gatsby

With the abundance of online resources, you might use websites or online articles. MLA citation for these differs slightly.

Example (Website):

"F. Scott Fitzgerald." Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 2017, www.biography.com/writer/f-scott-fitzgerald. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.

Important Considerations:

• URL: Ensure the URL is correct and functional.
• Access Date: Include the date you accessed the online resource.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a Citation Management Tool: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help automate the citation process and prevent errors.
• Consult the MLA Handbook: Always refer to the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.
• Double-Check Your Work: Carefully review your citations before submitting your paper to ensure accuracy.

By following these tips and using the examples provided, you'll be well-equipped to handle Gatsby citations with confidence. Remember to always strive for accuracy and consistency in your MLA formatting. Proper citation demonstrates academic integrity and enhances the credibility of your work.