How Do You Cite A Meditation Jon Donne?

Unlocking the Mystique of Citing John Donne’s Meditations

Navigating the realm of referencing classical literature can often feel like threading a needle while riding a roller coaster—exhilarating yet slightly daunting. Especially when it comes to the cerebral musings of John Donne, a literary colossus who seamlessly straddled the worlds of poetry and prose. Whether you’re an academic aficionado or a curious soul embarked on an erudite quest, fear not! This guide will illuminate the path to impeccably citing Donne’s meditations, ensuring your scholarly endeavors are as seamless as the poet’s own transitions from the secular to the divine.

The Mastery of MLA

When it comes to the structured world of citation, the Modern Language Association (MLA) format is akin to your trusty compass. It guides scholars and students through the dense forests of literary analysis and critique. If Donne’s meditations are the treasure, consider the MLA format your map to unearthing it with intellectual integrity. Here’s how you do it:

1. Author’s Name: Start off with Donne’s name. Flip the script—last name first, followed by a comma and the first name. It should look something like this: Donne, John.

2. Title of the Meditation: Since these are smaller components of a larger work, you’ll place the title of the specific meditation in quotation marks. For instance: “Meditation 17”.

3. Title of the Collection: This is where the larger work comes into play. It is italicized to highlight its prominence. In most cases, this will be Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions.

4. Editor or Translator: If your edition has a notable editor or translator, give them a nod here. After the title of the work, include the phrase, “edited by” or “translated by” followed by the editor’s/translator’s name.

5. Publication Details: This includes the publisher, the publication year, and the page number (or range) where the meditation can be found. Seal the deal with a period at the end.

A hypothetical citation might flutter onto the page like so:

Donne, John. “Meditation 17.” Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, edited by Mary Smith, Oxford UP, 2005, pp. 108-110.

The APA Acolytes

For those who walk the halls of psychology and social sciences, APA style reigns supreme. It’s the beacon that illuminates the way to proper citation, ensuring your work doesn’t just talk the talk, but also walks the walk. Citing Donne here requires a slightly different recipe:

1. Author’s Surname and Initials: Donne gets a makeover with his name taking the form of last name and initials: Donne, J.

2. Year of Publication: Bracketed and breathing life into the citation, this shows when the text in use was published, immediately after the author’s name: (2005).

3. Title of the Meditation & Collection: APA likes to keep it simple. The meditation title is not italicized or quoted, but the collection title is italicized, like so: Meditation 17. Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions.

4. Editor/Translator and Publisher: After the title, it’s time to sprinkle in the editor or translator followed by the publisher: (M. Smith, Ed.). Oxford UP.

5. Page Numbers: Finish with a flourish, listing the page range where the meditation is found: (pp. 108-110).

In the language of APA, it might look something like this:

Donne, J. (2005). Meditation 17. In M. Smith (Ed.), Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions (pp. 108-110). Oxford UP.

A Final Word of Wisdom

Remember, folks, the devil’s in the details. Whether you’re an MLA maven or an APA aficionado, each style has its quirks and foibles. The key is consistency—pick a lane and stick to it, ensuring your citations are as meticulous as Donne’s own metaphysical conceits.

So, there you have it—a guide that unfurls the complexities of citing John Donne’s meditations with the precision of a scholarly cartographer. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now equipped to venture forth into the academic territories marked by rigorous debates and intellectual explorations, with your citations shining as beacons of academic integrity. Keep your wits as sharp as your pencils, and may your scholarly journeys be as enriched and enlightening as Donne’s own meditative musings.