What is the definition of 'enjambment' in poetry?

Prepare for the AP English Literature and Composition exam. Utilize quizzes with literary terms, hints, and explanations to improve your study efficiency and exam readiness.

Enjambment is a poetic technique where a line of poetry flows into the next line without a grammatical pause or punctuation. This approach allows the poem to maintain a sense of movement and urgency, as the thought or sentence continues beyond the confines of a single line. By not adhering to end-stopping, enjambment creates momentum and can enhance the emotional impact of the poem, guiding the reader smoothly from one line to the next.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of enjambment. A line that ends with a pause describes end-stopped lines, which are marked by punctuation and thus create a distinct break. A repeated line refers to a refrain, which is a completely different technique where a line or phrase is reiterated for emphasis. Lastly, a break or interruption in a poem could refer to a variety of structures or forms that don't specifically relate to the continuous flow of thought that defines enjambment.

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