Unseen poetry Flashcards
Caesura in Poetry
A caesura is a deliberate pause or break within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation such as a comma, period, or dash. It divides the line into two parts, creating a moment of emphasis or reflection.
Effects of Caesura:
Emphasis: The pause draws attention to the words before or after it, highlighting key ideas or emotions.
Rhythmic Variation: It breaks up the regular rhythm of a poem, adding complexity and making the reader slow down.
Emotional Impact: Caesuras can mirror natural speech patterns or inner thought, creating a sense of intimacy, hesitation, or tension.
Enjambment in poetry
Enjambment
Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues without a pause onto the next line, without any punctuation at the end of the first line.
Effects of Enjambment:
Flow and Momentum: It propels the reader forward, creating a sense of urgency or movement.
Double Meanings: The incomplete thought at the end of a line may create ambiguity, making readers reconsider its meaning when the sentence resolves in the next line.
Natural Speech: It can mimic conversational patterns, making the poem feel more dynamic and fluid.
