General Rules:
* Italicize the title: This is the standard format for play titles in academic writing.
* Capitalize all major words: This includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
* Do not use quotation marks: Quotation marks are for poems, songs, short stories, and articles.
Example:
* Incorrect: "Hamlet" is a famous play by Shakespeare.
* Correct: *Hamlet* is a famous play by Shakespeare.
When Referring to a Specific Act, Scene, or Line:
* Use Roman numerals for acts: *Hamlet*, Act III, Scene 1
* Use Arabic numerals for scenes: *Hamlet*, Act III, Scene 1
* Use line numbers for specific lines: *Hamlet*, Act III, Scene 1, line 55-60
Example:
* Correct: The famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy appears in *Hamlet*, Act III, Scene 1, lines 55-60.
If the Play Title Contains a Punctuation Mark:
* Keep the original punctuation: *A Streetcar Named Desire*
Additional Notes:
* In-text citations: If you're referencing a specific source, make sure to cite the play title correctly in your bibliography or works cited page.
* Consistency: Be consistent with your formatting throughout your essay.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are correctly formatting play titles in your essays.