Enjambment for Dummies

Hey there! So, the word "enjambment" might seem a little tricky, but don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it. Enjambment is a poetry term that refers to when a sentence or phrase in a poem doesn't end where the line ends, but instead it continues onto the next line. It's kind of like when you're talking and your sentence doesn't stop at the end of one breath, but you keep going onto the next breath.

When a poet uses enjambment, it can create a sense of movement and flow in the poem, almost like a river flowing from one line to the next without any interruptions. It allows the poet to control the pacing and rhythm of the poem, and it can also add a sense of surprise or tension for the reader.

Let's think of it like a train running across different train tracks. Each track represents a line in the poem, and the train keeps moving onto the next track without stopping. It keeps the momentum going and creates a sense of connection between the lines.

So, in simple words, enjambment is when a sentence or phrase in a poem flows from one line to the next without a full stop. It's like a continuous flow of words that keeps the poem moving forward. I hope that makes sense!