Study Notes
Enjambment is a literary device where a sentence continues onto the next line without a pause, creating a transition between lines. It is used to speed up the pace of a poem and add suspense or interest.
- Enjambment — a sentence carried into the next line without a pause. Example: I think that I shall never see / A poem lovely as a tree.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Enjambment is when a sentence continues onto the next line without a pause.
Common Confusions
- Enjambment is not the same as end-stopped lines, which end with a pause.
- Enjambment does not mean the poem lacks structure; it is a deliberate stylistic choice.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is enjambment? Enjambment is when a sentence continues onto the next line without a pause.
- How does enjambment affect the pace of a poem? It speeds up the pace and adds suspense or interest.
- Identify an example of enjambment in a given poem. Look for sentences that continue onto the next line without a pause.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the definition of enjambment
- Ability to identify enjambment in poetry
- Explanation of the effect of enjambment on a poem's pace and mood