PoetryIntermediate
Caesura
A pause or break within a poetic line.
Principle
A pause inside the line can be as forceful as the line ending.
Takeaways
- Caesura can be marked by punctuation, rhythm, or syntax.
- It interrupts, balances, or turns the line's movement.
- Its placement affects breath and emphasis.
Overview
Caesura is an internal pause within a line of verse. It can create formal balance, emotional interruption, dramatic hesitation, or rhythmic complexity.
Examples
- A dash splits a confession before the speaker can finish it.
- A midline pause lets two images weigh against each other.