Modern Language Association (MLA) Style: Proper Citation Practice

When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, it is important to follow the guidelines of a specific style to ensure proper attribution and avoid plagiarism. The MLA style, established by the Modern Language Association, is one of the widely used styles for formatting citations in research papers and essays.

In MLA style, citing an excerpt from a literary work like The Odyssey involves including the author's last name (Homer), followed by the page number in parentheses, at the end of the sentence containing the quoted text. The page number refers to the specific location of the quotation within the source material.

For example, the correct format for citing a passage from Part 2 of The Odyssey in MLA style is: “Last of them all my ram, the leader, came, / weighted by wool and me with my meditations” (Homer 376-377). This citation properly attributes the quoted text to Homer's work and specifies the relevant page numbers.

By following the MLA style guidelines for citing sources, writers can give credit to the original authors and provide readers with the necessary information to locate the quoted passages. Consistent and accurate citations are essential in academic writing to uphold academic integrity and demonstrate respect for intellectual property.