Karmiol holds a Ph.D. in English literature and is a university professor. In this essay, she considers the importance of titles and what understanding the title of John Yau’s poem, “Russian Letter,” contributes to the readers’ understanding of the poem.

In his essay, “Try Titles,” Arthur Minton points out that “in a curious way titles partake of the nature of two kinds of expression that are otherwise incongruous—poetry and advertising.” The title sells the poem to the reader, who after all has many poems from which to choose. Minton explains that “in poetry and advertising every word is heavy-laden; the whole effect depends on the balance of connotations, overtones, and colors.” Writers choose their words carefully. Every word in a poem is carefully considered, laden with meaning and measured for effect. A title...