How to write a strong title for an essay that actually makes people want to read it.

[Antuan]

Okay, maybe I'm weird, but I love coming up with essay titles. It's like naming a pet or a band. A good title can make your professor smile before they even read the first sentence. A bad title ("Analysis of X") is just... a nap on paper.

I've developed a little formula that works for me, especially for humanities papers. I like the "Clever Phrase: Serious Subtitle" combo.

For example, for a paper on the symbolism of the ocean in The Odyssey, I used:
"The Wine-Dark Sea: Navigation and Chaos in Homer's Odyssey."

The first part is a direct quote from the text (so it's relevant), but it's also evocative. The second part tells you exactly what the paper is about. It's the best of both worlds—creative and informative.

Other techniques I've seen:

• The Question: "Was the Cold War Inevitable?"
• The Provocative Statement: "Why Gatsby Was Never Great."
• The Pun (use with extreme caution): "The Crucible: Witch Hunt or Witch's Hunt?" (Okay, that one's bad, I know).

What are your go-to title structures? Do you have a favorite title you've come up with? I need inspiration for my next paper! Drop your best (or worst) titles below.

 

[Evan]

Antuan, I love this thread! The "clever phrase: serious subtitle" is my absolute favorite. It's like a little wink to the reader before you get down to business.

My best one: for a paper on Frankenstein about how the monster is actually more human than Victor, I used:
"Who's the Monster Here?: Humanity and Monstrosity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein"

The question format works really well for argumentative papers because it sets up the debate right away. Plus it's less formal than a statement so it draws you in.

Anyone else use alliteration? I overuse it but sometimes it works. "Memory, Myth, and Mortality" type stuff.

 

[Jeffrey]

The pun title: "The Fault in Our Stars: A Close Reading" is fine. It's a pun but it's also literally about the book. Works.

The bad pun: "Star-Crossed Lovers or Star-Crossed Plot?" That's trying too hard. You can feel the writer stretching.

Rule of thumb: if you have to explain why it's clever, it's not clever enough. The best titles work immediately. You read it and go "oh, I get it." No explanation needed.

Your wine-dark sea example does that. Beautiful.