How to Cite the Crucible in MLA Format

Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" is on required reading lists in high schools and universities throughout America. This classic 1953 publication bases a harrowing tale about lies, witchcraft, hysteria and punishment on the people and events of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692; as a social commentary about Cold War era McCarthyism. Today, students are encouraged to read "The Crucible" for both its historical and literary value. Although Miller's work is actually a play, it is most often read in book form. Learn how to cite the print version of this captivating and enduring work, according to proper MLA standards for your research paper or presentation.

Step 1

Set your paragraph format to double-spaced and your margins to one inch, according to MLA standards. Type your "Works Cited" title in the center of the first line of a new page. Begin your first works cited entry on the next line.

Step 2

Indent the first line of each entry by 1/2-inch from the left margin. Type the author's last name, followed by a comma and one space. Then type the author's last name, followed by a period.

For example: Miller, Arthur.

Step 3

Begin the next sentence with the title of the work, "The Crucible," immediately followed by a period. Underline or italicize the title only, not the period.

Step 4

Type the editor's name of the book edition you are using, if any. Begin with the abbreviation for "editor," followed by the editor's first and last name and a period at the end.

For example: Ed. Stephen Greenblatt.

Step 5

Type the edition of the book next, if other than the first edition, followed by the abbreviation "ed."

For example: 3rd ed.

Step 6

Begin the last sentence with the name of the city where the work was published, followed by a colon, one space, the publisher name, a comma, one space and then the copyright date, ending the works cited entry with a period.

For example: New York: Penguin, 2003.

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