Explain the effect of enjambment in the following two lines: "She whispered secrets to the wind / that carried them beyond the hills."
Answer
Enjambment creates a smooth, uninterrupted flow that emphasizes the continuity of the secret being carried, enhancing the sense of movement and urgency.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the break between the two lines: the sentence continues without punctuation at the line break.
- Recognize that this continuation without pause is enjambment.
- Consider how the uninterrupted flow mirrors the secret moving swiftly with the wind.
- Conclude that the effect is to heighten the feeling of motion and immediacy, linking the act of whispering to the wind’s swift travel.
Common mistake: Thinking the line break creates a pause, ignoring the continuation of the thought
Concept tested: Effect of enjambment
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