Purposeful Punctuation

Definition

Purposeful punctuation refers to the deliberate use of punctuation marks in poetry to enhance meaning, control rhythm, and create specific effects. It involves strategic placement and manipulation of commas, periods, dashes, semicolons, and other punctuation marks for artistic purposes.

Related terms

Enjambment:

Enjambment is when a sentence or phrase flows from one line of poetry to another without any pause or punctuation at the end of the line.

Caesura:

Caesura is a pause or break within a line of poetry created by using certain punctuation marks like commas or dashes.

Em dash: An em dash (—) is a longer dash used in poetry to signal an interruption or abrupt change in thought.