ENJAMBMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Enjambment, also known as run-on lines or line overflow, is a literary technique utilized in poetry and prose where a sentence or a clause carries over from one line to the next without a pause or a clear grammatical break. The term is derived from the French word "enjamber," meaning "to stride over" or "to step across."
Enjambment plays a significant role in shaping the rhythm, flow, and meaning of a poetic piece. By intentionally extending a sentence or an idea into the next line, enjambment creates fluidity and continuity within a poem, breaking traditional metrical patterns and offering a more organic and dynamic structure.
This technique allows poets to manipulate the reader's interpretation by emphasizing specific words or phrases, altering the tone or mood, and adding layers of meaning. By separating ideas and images across lines, enjambment encourages readers to think beyond the immediate line break, engaging them in a process of discovering hidden connections or alternative interpretations.
Enjambment is commonly used in free verse poetry but can be found in various poetic styles and forms, including sonnets, blank verse, and sestinas. Effective enjambment requires careful consideration of syntax, punctuation, and word choice, as the positioning and arrangement of the lines greatly impact the overall impact and rhythm of the poem.
In summary, enjambment is a poetic technique where lines of poetry continue beyond their natural pause or grammatical structure, creating a sense of fluidity, emphasizing certain words or phrases, and contributing to the overall meaning and rhythm of the poem.
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Etymology of ENJAMBMENT
The word "enjambment" comes from the French term "enjambement", which is derived from the verb "enjamber", meaning "to stride over" or "to extend beyond". This verb is composed of the prefix "en-" (meaning "in" or "on") and the noun "jamb" (meaning "leg" or "boundary"). Thus, "enjambement" carries the literal sense of "striding or extending beyond the limits" and metaphorically refers to the poetic technique of carrying a sentence or phrase over to the next line without a pause, punctuation, or completion of sense.
Similar spelling words for ENJAMBMENT
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