Are you struggling to properly cite Aristotle’s Poetics in your academic writing?
You’re not alone. With confusing pagination and a lack of clarity on how to reference the work, it can be a frustrating experience.
But fear not, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll break down the ins and outs of citing Aristotle’s Poetics in MLA format.
From understanding Bekker pagination to navigating translations, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a student or a scholar, read on to learn how to properly cite this important work in your writing.
How To Cite Aristotle Poetics
When citing Aristotle’s Poetics in MLA format, it’s important to understand the concept of Bekker pagination. This is a number system developed specifically for Aristotle’s works, which includes page, column, and line numbers.
However, determining line numbers from an English translation can be tricky. This is because translations may not always put the parts of a sentence in the same order as they were in the original Greek, and phrases may not be of comparable length.
To properly cite Aristotle’s Poetics, you should include the author’s name (Aristotle), the title of the work (Poetics), the edition you are using (e.g. Penguin Classics), and the page or line numbers you are referencing. If you are using Bekker pagination, include the relevant page, column, and line numbers.
For example, if you are referencing chapter 9 of the Poetics where Aristotle discusses poetry being concerned with the universal, your citation might look like this:
(Aristotle, Poetics, Penguin Classics, ch. 9)
If you are using Bekker pagination and referencing a specific line, your citation might look like this:
(Aristotle, Poetics, Bekker 1447a8-13)
It’s important to note that if you are using a different edition or translation of the Poetics, your citation may differ slightly. Be sure to consult your style guide or instructor for specific guidelines.
Introduction To Aristotle’s Poetics
Aristotle’s Poetics is a landmark work in the history of literary criticism and one of the earliest surviving works of literary theory. It was written in the 4th century BCE and provides a detailed analysis of the elements that make up a successful work of literature, particularly tragedy.
The Poetics is divided into chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of literature. It begins with an exploration of poetry as an art form and how it differs from other forms of imitation. Aristotle then goes on to discuss the various elements that make up a successful tragedy, including plot, character, and language.
One of the key concepts in the Poetics is mimesis, or imitation. Aristotle argues that art imitates life, and that successful works of literature imitate life in a way that is both believable and engaging. He also discusses the importance of catharsis, or the emotional release that audiences experience when watching a tragedy.
Understanding Bekker Pagination
Bekker pagination is a specific system of citation for Aristotle’s works. It is based on the page numbers used in the Prussian Academy of Sciences edition of Aristotle’s complete works, which was edited by August Immanuel Bekker. The system takes its name from the editor of that edition, and it consists of up to three ordered coordinates: a number, the letter a or b, and another number. These three coordinates refer respectively to the page number of Bekker’s edition of the Greek text of Aristotle’s works, the page column (a standard page of Bekker’s edition has exactly two columns), and the line number.
For example, if you are referencing the beginning of Aristotle’s Poetics, the Bekker number would be 1447a1. This corresponds to page 1447 of Bekker’s edition, first column (column a), line 1. All modern editions or translations of Aristotle intended for scholarly readers use Bekker numbers in addition to or instead of page numbers. Contemporary scholars writing on Aristotle use the Bekker number so that the author’s citations can be checked by readers without having to use the same edition or translation that the author used.
One important point to note is that determining line numbers from an English translation can be tricky. This is because translations may not always put the parts of a sentence in the same order as they were in the original Greek, and phrases may not be of comparable length. Therefore, it is important to consult a reliable source for accurate line numbers when using Bekker pagination.
Navigating Translations
When citing Aristotle’s Poetics, it’s important to consider the translation you are using and how to properly include it in your citation. If you are using a translated version, you should cite the year of the translation preceded by “trans.” For example, if you are using the W.D. Ross translation from 1999, your citation might look like this:
(Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, trans. W.D. Ross, 1999)
It’s important to note that if you know the original publication date of the work, you should include it in the citation as well.
Additionally, when citing a collection of works by multiple authors with different translators, it can be tricky to create a proper bibliography entry. In this case, it is recommended to list all works in a bibliographical entry and use short entries for individual works to point to the full listing.
Citing Aristotle’s Poetics In MLA Format
When citing Aristotle’s Poetics in MLA format, it’s important to follow the guidelines for citing classical works. According to the MLA Handbook, you should start with the author’s name (Aristotle), followed by the title of the work (Poetics), and then the name of the editor or translator, if applicable.
Next, include the publication information, such as the publisher, year of publication, and the edition you are using. If you are using Bekker pagination, include the relevant page, column, and line numbers.
For example, if you are referencing the opening paragraph of the Poetics, your citation might look like this:
Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by S.H. Butcher, Penguin Classics, 1996. Bekker 1447a8-13.
In this example, “Translated by S.H. Butcher” indicates the translator of this particular edition of the Poetics. The year of publication is also included.
When citing within your text, use parentheses and include the author’s last name and page or line numbers. For example:
(Aristotle 1447a10-15)
If you are referencing a specific chapter or section of the Poetics, include that information in your citation as well. For example:
(Aristotle, Poetics, ch. 9)
It’s important to note that different editions or translations may have different pagination or chapter divisions. Be sure to consult your style guide or instructor for specific guidelines on citing classical works in MLA format.
Examples Of Proper Citations
Here are some examples of proper citations for Aristotle’s Poetics:
– MLA format, referencing a specific chapter: (Aristotle, Poetics, Penguin Classics, ch. 9)
– MLA format, using Bekker pagination to reference a specific line: (Aristotle, Poetics, Bekker 1447a8-13)
– APA format, referencing a specific chapter: Aristotle. (1996). Poetics (Malcolm Heath, Trans.). Penguin Books. Chapter 9.
– Chicago Manual of Style format, using Bekker pagination to reference a specific line: Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath. Penguin Books, 1996. Bekker 1447a8-13.
It’s important to note that the specific citation style may vary depending on the discipline and the style guide being used. Always consult the appropriate style guide or instructor for specific guidelines on how to properly cite sources.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When citing Aristotle’s Poetics, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure accuracy and avoid plagiarism.
Firstly, avoid relying solely on online sources for your citations. While online sources can be helpful, they may not always provide accurate information or follow the correct citation format. It’s best to consult a reliable print source or your style guide for guidance.
Secondly, be careful when using quotes or paraphrasing information from the Poetics. Any thought or idea that is not your own should be cited, whether you put quotes around it or not. Failure to properly cite your sources can result in plagiarism, which can have serious consequences.
Thirdly, make sure to include all necessary information in your citation, including the author’s name, the title of the work, the edition you are using, and the page or line numbers you are referencing. If you are using Bekker pagination, include the relevant page, column, and line numbers.
Lastly, double-check your citation for accuracy and consistency. Make sure that all punctuation and formatting is correct and that you have followed the guidelines for your chosen citation style.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your citations for Aristotle’s Poetics are accurate and properly formatted.
