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Are Titles Overrated?

in Poetry Discussion

I was in conversation with someone the other day, and this question popped up in passing. I, for one, believe titles to be useful given their proper usage. However, I'll admit, not all poems are in need of one. What do you think?

3 comments

Comments (3)

Jun 20, 2021

Yes, too true. Those are great and indeed convincing points… I guess I’ve changed my mind now … esp about developing on and past those that came before us, yes change is constant and necessary. Thanks Ken.

Jun 20, 2021

May I ask... Why don't you think poems deserve their own titles? For me, titles are imperative for poetry, they signal to your audience that this is your gift of poetry to them. Poetry is held to certain standards to fulfil a space that others before us designed- and forgive me- a sanctuary- if you will- to reach, to find that space in each member of your audience, where we have common ground that through these poems we've been a bit more elevated. I'm rambling and I know that people disagree with this assertion, however why write to be seen, if not in service?

Ken LeMarchand

Jun 20, 2021

•

Replying to

"Why don't you think poems deserve their own titles?"

Honestly, Garrish, I think the poem, if well written, can stand on its own. There is no need for a title because the poem should explain itself without any introduction; this is my personal opinion, of course.

Also, this is an exciting dynamic and creative license we are talking about here. There isn't a dead set rule that titles are needed. I understand how frustrating it can be when a poem doesn't have a title. I've been prone to throw a book down on occasion over this myself. However, I've come to understand why a poet neglects to use a title. It doesn't have anything to do with being lazy or confused about what to name the poem. Instead, the concept has everything to do with creativity and freedom of expression.

Leaving out a title adds to the poem's engagement by allowing the reader to formulate their understanding without the influence of a title. It also gives you that sort of mysteriousness that is quite similar to the effect of a cliffhanger. It is equally enjoyable as it is infuriating—but in a good way.

I indeed used to agree with the classical understanding of poetry, and to some extent, I still do. However, I've seen quite an evolution of poetry throughout my life as a writer. I've certainly seen poems being titled 'Untitled' or 'Anonymous' before, but let us be honest, who wants that kind of title? I'd instead use no title than give it something lame such as that. No disrespect intended, of course.

I do have to propose a question to you, though. If what you said is true, that as poets, we honor those that came before us, wouldn't we be disappointing the forefathers of poetry by not improving and adding upon the foundation that they started? Would we allow something so tangible become nothing more than words on the page with no chance to grow into something new? Art, as we all know it to be, is just as mutable as the human experience. Is it not? So why not accept change as a positive thing instead of scrutinizing the very fabric of natural understanding.

These are just my personal opinions and thoughts, of course. I certainly agree that some aspects of poetry will always remain the same. Lest it becomes something else entirely different, which is okay, but we wouldn't call whatever that "thing" is poetry.