1. Capture the Essence: The title often encapsulates the poem's central theme, emotion, or idea. It's a concise way to give the reader a sense of what the poem is about.
2. Set the Tone: The title can create a specific mood or atmosphere for the reader, foreshadowing the content and emotions that will be explored in the poem.
3. Spark Curiosity: A good title should be intriguing and invite the reader to delve deeper into the poem. It might leave them with questions or create a sense of anticipation.
4. Provide Context: The title can act as a frame of reference for the poem, offering information about its setting, characters, or historical context.
5. Be Symbolic: Titles can use figurative language or symbolism to convey deeper meanings, inviting readers to engage with the poem on a more abstract level.
It's important to note that the meaning of a title can be subjective:
* Different readers may interpret the title differently.
* The poet's intentions may be unclear.
* The title might be open-ended, inviting the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Here are some examples:
* "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost: The title highlights the central theme of choice and its impact on one's life.
* "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas: The title sets a defiant tone, suggesting resistance against death.
* "Ode to a Nightingale" by John Keats: The title directly tells us the subject of the poem, an ode to a nightingale.
* "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot: The title uses symbolism to hint at the poem's exploration of modern anxieties and alienation.
Ultimately, the meaning of a poem's title lies in the intersection of the poet's intention, the reader's interpretation, and the poem's overall content.