Poetry, at its heart, is about rhythm and meaning. Sometimes, that rhythm feels particularly complete, drawing a natural breath at the end of a line. This isn’t accidental; it’s often a deliberate technique employed by poets called the end stopped line. Understanding this device unlocks a deeper appreciation for the craft of poetry. Let’s explore what an end stopped line is, how it works, and why poets use it.
What is an End Stopped Line?
An end stopped line is a line of poetry that features a natural pause or sense of completion at the end. This pause is typically created by punctuation – a period, comma, semicolon, colon, question mark, or even an exclamation point – but can also be created by a natural pause in the meaning of the sentence. Essentially, the line feels ‘closed’ rather than flowing directly into the next line. It’s a technique that emphasizes the line itself and contributes to the poem’s rhythm and overall effect.
Simple Examples of End Stopped Lines
Here are a few short examples to illustrate the concept:
- The sun descends, a fiery ball.
- She smiled, a secret in her eyes.
- Winter arrived, bringing snow and ice.
- He paused, considering his next move.
Notice how each line feels complete in itself because of the punctuation. You naturally pause briefly at the end before continuing to the next line.
How End Stopped Lines Differ from Enjambment
To fully understand end stopped lines, it’s helpful to compare them to the opposite technique: enjambment. Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry runs on to the next line without a natural pause or punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and momentum.
Consider these two examples, using the same idea expressed both with end stopping and enjambment:
With end stopping:
The river flows along its bed.
A peaceful scene for all to see.
With enjambment:
The river flows
along its bed, a peaceful scene
for all to see.
In the end stopped version, each line feels distinct. In the enjambed version, the meaning carries over, creating a smoother, more continuous rhythm.
The Effects of Using End Stopped Lines
Poets employ end stopped lines for a variety of reasons. Here are some key effects:
- Emphasis: End stopping draws attention to the individual line, highlighting its meaning and imagery.
- Rhythm and Structure: It creates a more formal and structured rhythm, often mimicking natural speech patterns.
- Clarity: It can make a poem easier to understand by breaking the ideas into manageable units.
- Pacing: It can slow down the reading pace, encouraging contemplation.
- Musicality: The pauses can enhance the musicality of the poem, creating a pleasing cadence.
In-Depth Examples of End Stopped Lines
Let’s examine how end stopped lines are used in several poems to illustrate these effects.
Example 1: William Wordsworth, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”
Consider these lines from Wordsworth’s famous poem:
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils.
Notice the consistent use of end stopping. Each line is a complete thought, punctuated by commas or periods. This creates a sense of peacefulness and clarity, mirroring the calm beauty of the daffodils. The pauses allow the reader to fully absorb each image before moving on. It emphasizes the simplicity and naturalness of the experience.
Example 2: Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Frost is a master of traditional poetic form and frequently employs end stopped lines:
Whose woods these are? I think I know.
His house is in the village; though.
He will not see me stopping here.
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
The end stopping contributes to the poem’s deliberate, thoughtful pace. Each line feels measured and complete, reflecting the speaker’s hesitant contemplation. The pauses create a sense of mystery and anticipation. The poem’s simple structure and consistent end stopping create a hypnotic rhythm that pulls the reader into the scene.
Example 3: Emily Dickinson, “Because I could not stop for Death”
Though Dickinson often breaks conventional poetic rules, she still uses end stopping strategically:
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me,
The Carriage held but just Ourselves,
And Immortality.
The commas and end stopping create a deliberate, almost halting rhythm. This mirrors the speaker’s journey towards death, which is both inevitable and unsettling. The pauses emphasize the weight of each idea, forcing the reader to contemplate the themes of mortality and eternity. The combination of precise punctuation and thoughtful pauses creates a unique and haunting effect.
Example 4: A Modern Example: Langston Hughes, “Harlem” (A Dream Deferred)
Hughes skillfully uses both end stopping and enjambment, but end stopping often appears at pivotal moments:
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore,
And then run?
The end stopped questions immediately grab the reader’s attention, demanding a response. The subsequent lines, while using enjambment to build momentum, still frequently end with a pause, highlighting the growing tension and frustration. The strategic use of end stopping emphasizes the unanswered questions and the potential consequences of unfulfilled dreams.
Identifying End Stopped Lines: A Quick Guide
Here’s what to look for when identifying end stopped lines:
- Punctuation: Is there a period, comma, semicolon, colon, question mark, or exclamation point at the end of the line?
- Natural Pause: Does the line end with a natural pause in the meaning of the sentence, even without punctuation?
- Complete Thought: Does the line express a complete thought or idea?
Remember that poetry is rarely absolute. Some lines may be partially end stopped, with a slight pause but not a complete stop. The key is to listen to the rhythm and flow of the poem and consider how the line endings contribute to the overall effect.
Understanding end stopped lines unlocks a deeper appreciation for the artistry of poetry. By recognizing this technique, you can gain a better understanding of how poets control rhythm, emphasize meaning, and create a powerful and engaging reading experience. So, the next time you encounter a poem, pay attention to the line endings and consider the effect they have on the overall impact.