If you are writing an essay, and in the title of your essay, you have the title of a novel, does the title of the novel have to be italicized? For example, if you were writing an essay (MLA format)titled A New Perspective on The Scarlet Letter, would The Scarlet Letter need to be italicized?

Titles of novels are either underlined or in italics, not in quotation marks.

A new Perspective on The Scarlet Letter

Okay, thanks! I wasn't sure if it was still italicized if it was in the title or not, and I couldn't find it easily on the websites about MLA.

When it comes to including the title of a novel in the title of your essay, it is common practice to italicize the title of the novel. This helps to differentiate the novel title from the rest of the essay title and adhere to standard formatting guidelines.

To determine whether a title should be italicized or not, you can refer to the style guide you are using, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide. In the case of MLA, italicizing the title of a novel is recommended.

If you are unsure of the specific guidelines for your essay, you can consult the MLA Handbook or use reliable online resources that explain essay formatting in MLA style. These resources often provide examples and explanations for how to format different elements of an essay, including titles.

Remember that formatting styles may vary depending on the institution, course, or individual professor's preferences. It is always a good idea to clarify any doubts with your instructor or refer to any specific writing guidelines provided by your educational institution.