Identify the area where the quote or passage you are referencing appears. Referencing a novel is as simple as citing the author's last name and page number. You may find some works more complex to reference than others, however. For example, in some cases, you may have to include the specific part or chapter of the work, or both. An example of this case would be: (Smith 22; pt. 1 ch. 3).
When referencing poetry, divide the lines correctly and use line numbers, if applicable. Many classic poems have the lines numbered in increments of five. To prevent confusing line numbers with page numbers, always preface the line number with the word "line." When quoting multiple lines together, divide them with a single space, a slash and another single space, and begin the next line with a capital letter. For example: "This little piggy went to market, / This little piggy stayed home."
Always write about literature in the present tense. Talk about what the characters "do," not what they "did." Discuss what the setting "looks like," not what it "looked like."