Cesural meaning

A cesural pause is a brief interruption in the flow of a poem or speech.


Cesural definitions

Word backwards larusec
Part of speech adjective
Syllabic division ce-su-ral
Plural The plural of the word "cesural" is "cesurals."
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) e,u,a
Consonants (4) c,s,r,l

When discussing poetry and literature, the term cesural often comes up in conversations about structure and form. This term refers to a pause or break in a line of verse, typically indicated by punctuation or spacing. Cesuras can help create a sense of rhythm and flow, allowing the reader to pause for reflection or emphasis.

Types of Cesuras

There are several different types of cesuras that poets may use in their work. A caesura can be a strong pause in the middle of a line, while a thematic cesura may occur at a key point in the poem to highlight a theme or idea. Additionally, a masculine cesura falls after a stressed syllable, and a feminine cesura occurs after an unstressed syllable.

Impact of Cesuras

Cesuras play a crucial role in the overall rhythm and structure of a poem. By strategically placing cesuras throughout a piece, a poet can control the pacing and emphasis of the work. Cesuras can help create tension, build suspense, or provide moments of reflection for the reader. They are a powerful tool for guiding the reader through the poem and shaping their experience.

Examples of Cesuras

Many famous poets have used cesuras in their work to great effect. In The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, cesuras are used to create a fragmented and disjointed sense of time and space. In Emily Dickinson's poetry, cesuras often appear as dashes, creating a sense of pause and contemplation. Each poet may use cesuras differently, but they all serve to enhance the overall impact of the poem.

In conclusion, cesuras are an essential element of poetic structure and form. They help create rhythm, pacing, and emphasis within a poem, guiding the reader through the work and shaping their interpretation. By understanding the different types and uses of cesuras, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craft of poetry.


Cesural Examples

  1. The composer used a cesural pause in the music to create tension.
  2. The poet employed a cesural break in the line to emphasize a particular word.
  3. The actor delivered his lines with a cesural pause for dramatic effect.
  4. The professor pointed out the cesural caesura in the ancient text.
  5. The director added a cesural moment in the film to allow the audience to reflect on the scene.
  6. The comedian used a cesural break in his joke to build anticipation for the punchline.
  7. The playwright included a cesural silence in the play to highlight the emotions of the characters.
  8. The speech writer inserted a cesural pause for the speaker to gather their thoughts before continuing.
  9. The author's use of cesural spacing between paragraphs helped to structure the narrative.
  10. The singer took a cesural breath before hitting the high note in the song.


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 21:32:39