What is a Caesura?
A pause or break in a line of poetry.
Pause for Effect: Understanding Caesura in Poetry
Caesura refers to a pause or break in a line of poetry, and it is an essential element to create rhythm and emphasis in verse.
Originally derived from the Latin word for 'cut,' caesura separates a line of poetry into two parts, creating a momentary silence before the line's completion. This pause can be located anywhere within the line itself, and it is represented in written poetry by a double vertical line - ||.
Caesura is used to create a range of effects in poetry, from emphasizing the last word or phrase of a line to establishing a sense of rhythm and pacing within the verse. When used in combination with other literary techniques, such as enjambment or alliteration, caesura can add depth and complexity to a poem and create a unique reading experience for the audience.
Beowulf, the epic poem from the 8th century, is full of caesuras which help create a sense of drama and suspense. For example, in the following lines, the caesura separates the two halves of the sentence and creates a pause for emphasis:
'With eyes that gleamed / like fire in a forge.'
Shakespeare was a master of caesura, using this literary device to create rhythm, tension, and emphasis in his plays. In his tragedy Hamlet, the famous 'To be or not to be' soliloquy is an excellent example of the use of caesura:
'To be, || or not to be, || that is the question: ||'