Why Use Both?
* Specificity: Line numbers pinpoint the exact location of the text within the poem or play. Page numbers help locate that section in the physical book.
* Scholarly Practice: In academic contexts, this detailed citation helps readers easily verify your source and find the exact passage you are referencing.
How to Cite
* In-Text Citations:
* Poems: (Author's Last Name, line numbers). Example: (Shakespeare, 12-14).
* Plays: (Author's Last Name, Act.Scene.Line Numbers). Example: (Shakespeare, 1.2.10-15).
* Footnotes or Endnotes:
* Provide full citation details including the author's name, title of the work, publication information (publisher, date, etc.), and page number(s).
Important Notes:
* Line Numbers: Use the line numbers provided in the edition of the work you're using. If an edition doesn't have line numbers, you can sometimes create your own (but be sure to note this in your citation).
* Line Breaks: If you are quoting multiple lines of poetry, use a slash (/) to indicate line breaks: (Shakespeare, 12-14).
* Play Acts and Scenes: For plays, use Roman numerals for the act and Arabic numerals for the scene (e.g., Act 1, Scene 2 or 1.2).
* Check Your Style Guide: The specific format for citing poetry and plays may vary slightly depending on the style guide you're using (MLA, Chicago, etc.). Consult your style guide for the most accurate guidelines.
Let me know if you'd like more specific examples or have any other questions!