Deserve Quote by Edgar Allan Poe
“A poem deserves its title only inasmuch as it excites, by elevating the soul.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Philosophy of Poetry,” 1845
A poem’s title should reflect its power to stir and uplift the soul.
In simple terms: Title must match a poem’s emotional lift.
Choose titles that echo the poem’s soul‑stirring effect.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- book publishing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a title shape your reading?
- Can a poem succeed without a strong title?
Titles can be restrictive or misleading.