Question

In general, what conveys meaning in a poem?

the attitude a poet has about a subject
the punctuation used in a poem
the words a poet chooses about a subject
the ideas expressed in a po

Answer 1

The words a poet chooses about a subject.

Diction (word choice) is the primary vehicle of meaning: specific words create images, express ideas, and establish the poet’s attitude or tone. Punctuation and tone/attitude also shape and refine meaning, but they work through the poet’s word choices.