I need help with MLA format!?

Question

In an essay, do you underline or italicize a novel??

Answer 1

According to Quick Access Reference for Writers (MLA) the title of a novel is italics.

Answer 2

straight from MLA's website:

Most word-processing programs and computer printers permit the reproduction of italic type. In material that will be graded or edited for publication, however, the type style of every letter and punctuation mark must be easily recognizable. Italic type is sometimes not distinctive enough for this purpose. In printed material submitted for grading and editing, therefore, words that would be italicized in a publication are usually underlined to avoid ambiguity. If you wish to use italics rather than underlining, check your instructor's or editor's preferences. When preparing a manuscript for electronic publication, consult your editor on how to represent italicization.

Answer 3

Since you're typing it, I would italicize it. Typically, you only underline the title of a novel if you are handwriting the essay. Underlining isn't technically incorrect, however, most instructors I've had prefer italics.

Answer 4

I like "Dharma's" answer... I think italicizing looks a little neater than underlining but unless your teacher is really anal about having things underlined both underlining and italicizing are considered correct.

Answer 5

You should find everything you need here (examples of MLA works cited referencing):

http://www.lib.usf.edu/ref/mla.html