Final answer:
Enjambment is a literary technique in poetry where a sentence continues beyond the end of a line into the following line without a pause. It allows for a sense of continuity, can affect the rhythm and meaning, and contrasts with end-stopped lines that conclude with punctuation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enjambment is a literary technique where one line of poetry continues into the next without a pause or end punctuation. In poetry, enjambment serves as a way to create a sense of continuity from one line to the next and can alter the rhythm, pace, and meaning within a poem. This can affect the poem’s reading and the prosody or musical rhythm of the lines. For example, a line might end on a verb, with the object of the verb appearing on the next line, propelling the reader forward and creating a heightened sense of urgency or movement within the poem. In contrast, end-stopped lines finish with a form of punctuation that signals a natural pause or full stop, thus the opposite of enjambment.
The technique of enjambment can also create surprise or add emphasis, compelling readers to consider the divided parts of the sentence separately before understanding the whole. An example can be seen in the unexpected shift from 'break' to 'blossom' which initially presents a harsh image, but upon reaching the next line, the meaning transforms to something more positive and life-affirming. Enjambment, therefore, greatly contributes to the imagery and emotional impact of a poem.