California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

Question: 1 / 2010

What does the use of enjambment typically add to a poem?

Pacing and a conversational tone

Enjambment is a poetic technique where a thought or phrase runs over from one line to the next without a pause or break. This method allows the poem to maintain a natural flow and can create a rhythmic and conversational pacing, which invites readers to continue reading and engage with the text more deeply. The lack of punctuation at the end of the lines encourages a sense of movement and urgency, often enhancing the emotional impact of the poem.

While other methods in poetry, such as end-stopping, might provide a more structured or final feeling to lines, enjambment tends to create a more dynamic reading experience. It contrasts with visual symmetry found in certain structured forms, which may not be conducive to the fluidity that enjambment provides. The successful use of enjambment can enhance the overall theme and tone, making it a powerful tool in the hands of a poet.

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Structure and rigidity

A sense of finality

Visual symmetry

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