Proper attribution when referencing dramatic works is essential for academic integrity and clear communication. It involves providing specific details to allow readers to locate the exact passage or element being discussed within the original script. For example, a citation might include the author’s name, the title of the play, the act, scene, and line numbers, such as: (Shakespeare, Hamlet, 3.1.55-56).
Accurate referencing acknowledges the playwright’s intellectual property and strengthens the credibility of scholarly analysis or theatrical reviews. It facilitates verification of claims made about the play’s content, themes, or characters. Historically, citation practices have evolved with academic conventions, moving from informal mentions to structured formats.