Associates Quote by Anna Journey
“Because I love narrative but am more lyrically inclined, I've learned that if I freight titles with narrative information (the who, what, when, where, why of the poem), I can get to my main interest, which is the language, and where it wants to take me. If I can establish the poem's occasion in the title, then so much the better for my freedom to associate.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Poetry Writing Tips, 2021
The poet suggests using titles to convey narrative details, freeing the language to explore deeper meanings.
In simple terms: Use titles for narrative, then let language roam.
Let titles set context, then follow language.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- personal poetry
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a narrative title shape your reading?
- Can language still surprise with a set context?
Titles may limit interpretive openness if too specific.