What makes an iconic poem?

@Marc Brimble @Shen Friebe Thanks so much for taking part in this conversation! I love your replies so much! I was say hear wondering, what makes some of Shakespeare's sonnets so iconic and memorable, and some of them not so much! Same with Ginsbery, Howl is known the world over! I loved reading these. Would be interested to see what else people might think!

Apart fro the wise words of @Shen Friebe, I would add that an iconic poem should be something that represents a certain era or movement, that is when you read or hear that poem immediately you know it is representative of the beat generation or classical Greek poetry, as two examples

Great question, Adam! And don't worry, it was comprehensible :P I think there are two kinds of iconic poems: ones that are renowned and deliberated by scholars over a long period of time as well as studied in schools, and poems that individuals deem to be iconic to them. You could easily write a thesis on your question so I'll summarise my feelings in a nutshell!

I think the reason why the former category of poetry is so iconic and is inevitably commemorated in literature, history and pop culture is likely because there is a whole lot to dissect in these works. It's also the reason why I tend to favour poems that are academically celebrated because they are often multi-layered and in depth in content, not to mention appeal to emotions profoundly, and have a timeless quality to them (see Shakespeare, Plath, Frost). Also, academic poetry is often a reflection of the time it was written in, so much of the time when you are studying- you name it- Shakespeare, Whitman, Rumi, Plath, etc. you are also part-taking in a history lesson about what was occurring at the time these poets were active. This can be anything social, economic or political, even philosophical or religious. This also means that a number of contemporary poets today who are actively writing about social/political/philosophical matters will one day become a part of history.

When it comes to poetry that resonates with individuals on a personal level, i think a poem in this category appeals to a reader if the subject matter is important to them, or if the poem is about a favourable topic. For e.g. i know with myself, I am instantly drawn to tragic, Romantic styles of poetry, or poetry where royal or historical figures are featured (i must have been a Plantagenet king in a past life, I swear XD).

But I also think most people perceive iconic poetry to be poetry that is very good. I've read countless poems about subject matters I have no interest in, but the poems were so well crafted and interesting that the content still blew me away (thankfully, this happens often at the Cove :) ). Can't wait to read what others have to say!