In MLA style, short story titles are formatted using quotation marks, not italics. This applies regardless of whether the story appears in an online publication, an edited collection, or an academic anthology. When you reference a short story within an essay or Works Cited entry, you place the title in quotation marks and standardize capitalization according to MLA guidelines. The surrounding source—such as a journal or anthology—is italicized, while the story itself is not. The guidance remains consistent across educational levels, though instructor preferences may sometimes differ. The following sections clarify formatting rules, provide examples, and address common exceptions.
Core Title Formatting Rules in MLA
MLA formatting distinguishes between the titles of standalone works and titles within larger works. Short stories are considered part of a larger container, so they are enclosed in quotation marks. This principle applies whether the story is accessed in print or digitally. The title of the journal, magazine, or anthology that contains the story is italicized. Understanding this hierarchy helps writers format references correctly and avoid common errors in academic texts.
Italicize the Container, Not the Story
When citing a short story, you must italicize the title of the periodical or collection that holds it. For example, if a story appears in Review of Contemporary Fiction, the journal name is italicized. The short story title inside the journal appears in quotation marks. This rule ensures clarity and visual distinction between the larger published work and the individual selection.
Punctuation and Capitalization Details
MLA guidelines specify that titles in quotations follow standard capitalization rules, typically capitalizing the first word, the last word, and all major words. Substantial words in titles are capitalized, while articles, short prepositions, and coordinating conjunctions remain lowercase unless they begin or end the title. Proper nouns are always capitalized. Correct punctuation around quotation marks and italics must be maintained to ensure formatting integrity in both in-text citations and Works Cited entries.
In-Text Citations and Works Cited Entries
In MLA, in-text citations generally include the author’s last name and the page number. The Works Cited entry lists the author, story title in quotation marks, container title in italics, editor (if applicable), publication details, and medium. Formatting these elements in the correct order is essential for accuracy and consistency. The following table summarizes key components for common MLA source types.
| Source Type | Italicized Element | Quoted Element | Example Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short story in a journal | Journal title | Short story title | Journal of Modern Literature |
| Short story in an anthology | Anthology title | Short story title | The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction |
| Online story in a magazine | Magazine title | Short story title | Tin House |
| Story from a website | Website title | Short story title | Ploughshares |
Quotation Marks vs Italics: Common Scenarios
MLA rules can appear inconsistent when multiple containers are involved. For instance, in an anthology, both the story and the anthology may be mentioned. The story is in quotation marks, while the anthology is italicized. When a story is published in a magazine accessible online, the magazine is italicized and the story remains in quotation marks. Understanding these nesting relationships helps clarify which titles receive which formatting.
Multiple Containers
In cases where a story appears within an anthology that is later republished online, MLA recommends citing the version you consulted. The story is still quoted, while the immediate container—the anthology or the website holding it—is italicized. If citing the online version, include the website name in italics and the URL. This hierarchy preserves clarity and accurately represents the source structure.
Podcasts and Digital Media
When a short story is adapted and presented in a podcast or video series, the episode title is placed in quotation marks, and the series title is italicized. If the story itself is discussed or read within the episode, the original short story title still appears in quotation marks. Proper labeling of format and container ensures that audiences can locate the source regardless of medium.
Practical Citation Examples
Providing concrete examples illustrates how to apply MLA rules consistently. Below are sample in-text citations and Works Cited entries for different contexts. These examples demonstrate the correct placement of quotation marks and italics, helping writers replicate the format for their own references. Following these patterns supports academic integrity and readability.
- In-text: (Chekhov 45). Works Cited: Chekhov, Anton. "The Bet." Selected Stories, edited by Christine Evans, Penguin Classics, 2000.
- In-text: (Morris 112). Works Cited: Morris, George. "The Carnival Door." The Iowa Review, vol. 32, no. 1, 2002, pp. 110–123.
- In-text: (Nguyen 7). Works Cited: Nguyen, Andrew. "The Distance Between Houses." Joyland, www.joylanimagazine.com/the-distance-between-houses. Accessed 10 May 2024.
- In-text: (Carver 203). Works Cited: Carver, Raymond. "Cathedral." Cathedral: Selected Stories, edited by Sheila Schwartz, Vintage, 1991.
Exceptions and Instructor Preferences
While MLA provides consistent formatting rules, instructors may request slight variations. Some teachers prefer underlining instead of italics, especially in handwritten work or older style guides. Others may specify formatting for short story titles in headings or titles within titles. It is always best to confirm specific requirements with your instructor, but in standard academic writing, MLA conventions apply as outlined above.
Cross-Style Comparisons
MLA is not the only style that offers guidance on formatting short story titles. Comparing MLA with other common styles can clarify its distinct rules. In APA, short stories are also placed in quotation marks, while the source periodical is italicized. Chicago style similarly uses quotation marks for story titles in its author-date system, though notes and bibliography usage varies. Recognizing these similarities and differences supports accurate citation across disciplines.
| Style | Short Story Title | Container/Periodical |
|---|---|---|
| MLA | "Story Title" | Journal or Anthology |
| APA | "Story Title" | Journal or Anthology |
| Chicago (Notes-Bibliography) | "Story Title" | Journal or Anthology |
Conclusion
In MLA format, short story titles are enclosed in quotation marks, while the journals, magazines, or anthologies that contain them are italicized. This consistent rule applies across print and digital sources, supporting clear attribution and standardized academic writing. By distinguishing between containers and individual selections, writers can accurately format citations at any level. Following these practices ensures that references remain precise, professional, and easy to verify.