Cite all literary references that you quote directly or from which you borrow ideas or concepts. Importantly, cite literary references both internally, or in-text, and externally at the end of the document in a reference list or works cited section.
Cite literary references in-text with a parenthetical citation. Provide in parentheses the author's last name and the page number, if applicable, upon which the cited information may be found in the referenced text. For instance: "Allegory contradicts notions of totality (Benjamin 235)." Alternatively, provide in parenthesis only the page number if you identify the author in the sentence, as in the following example: "According to Walter Benjamin, 'Allegory is in the realm of thought what ruins are in the realm of things' (236)."
Attach to the document a works cited page or reference list that includes all literary (and any other) references cited in the text. Arrange citations alphabetically by author last name, unless no author is given, in which case, defer to the title of the reference.
Cite books as follows: Author last name, Author first name. Title of Book (in italics). City of publication: Press, Year of publication. Cite poems or short stories as follows: Poet or author last name, Poet or Author first name. "Title of Poem or Story." Collection or Anthology (in italics). Editor (if applicable). City of publication: Press, Year of Publication.
Consult an MLA manual or style guide for more specific instructions on special circumstances or kinds of literary references.