Feminine caesura meaning

Feminine caesura refers to a pause or break in a line of poetry that occurs after an unstressed syllable, creating a softer and more flowing rhythm.


Feminine caesura definitions

Word backwards eninimef aruseac
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "feminine caesura" is a noun.
Syllabic division Fem-i-nine cae-su-ra.
Plural The plural of the word feminine caesura is feminine caesurae.
Total letters 15
Vogais (4) e,i,a,u
Consonants (6) f,m,n,c,s,r

Feminine caesura, also known as medial caesura, is an important concept in poetry and prosody. It refers to a pause in the middle of a line of verse, typically marked by punctuation or a grammatical break. This pause serves to create rhythm, emphasis, and structure within the poem.

Definition and Importance

A feminine caesura can help to break up the flow of a poem, allowing the reader to pause and reflect on the meaning of the words. It can also add variety and interest to the rhythm of the poem, creating a more dynamic and engaging reading experience.

Examples in Poetry

One famous example of a feminine caesura can be found in William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

In this line, the comma after "day" creates a pause, emphasizing the contrast between the speaker's beloved and a summer's day.

Effect on Sound and Meaning

The use of a feminine caesura can impact both the sound and meaning of a poem. By creating a moment of pause, it can draw attention to a particular word or phrase, adding weight and significance to the overall message of the poem.

Overall, understanding feminine caesura can enhance one's appreciation of poetry and help to deepen the interpretation of a writer's work. By recognizing and analyzing these pauses within a poem, readers can gain further insight into the rhythmic and structural choices made by the poet.


Feminine caesura Examples

  1. The feminine caesura in the poem created a sense of pause and reflection.
  2. She used a feminine caesura to emphasize the emotional impact of her words.
  3. The subtle feminine caesura added a layer of complexity to the music composition.
  4. In her speech, there was a noticeable feminine caesura before she made her main point.
  5. The author strategically placed a feminine caesura to highlight the contrast in the text.
  6. The actress paused with a feminine caesura, drawing the audience's attention to her next lines.
  7. The poet's use of a feminine caesura created a rhythmic flow in the stanza.
  8. His writing style often included a feminine caesura to convey a sense of vulnerability.
  9. The song featured a beautiful feminine caesura that enhanced the storytelling aspect.
  10. The playwright's dialogue was filled with feminine caesuras, allowing for deeper emotional connection.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 09:06:57