What is a 'double meaning' in poetry?

• A. Focus on the obvious surface meaning.
• B. Double meaning only occurs in romantic poetry.
• C. Look for lines whose surface meaning masks a deeper, often critical or symbolic, message.
• D. Double meaning is the same as metaphors.

Answer: (C)

A double meaning in poetry is about reading on two levels: the line or image has a straightforward, surface sense, but also a deeper interpretation that the poet hints at, often with irony, critique, or symbolism. The best answer points to lines whose surface meaning masks a deeper, often critical or symbolic message, because that captures how poets pack hidden commentary or themes into what first appears simple. This isn't limited to any one genre of poetry; poets use double meanings to critique society, explore moral questions, or layer imagery with another reading.

The other ideas miss this layering. Focusing only on the obvious surface reading ignores the room for a second interpretation. It isn’t restricted to romantic poetry, since double meanings appear across many contexts. And while a metaphor can carry a double meaning, the concept is broader: a double meaning refers to multiple possible readings, not just a single metaphorical comparison.