How does punctuation affect a poem?

1 Answer
Dec 1, 2016

It affects the tone and rhythm.

Explanation:

Punctuation varies in effects, but here are some examples:

  • period signifies abrupt end or dropping off; starting anew
  • comma indicates there is more to come soon after, related to whatever came before the comma
  • semicolon halfway between a period and a comma, often used to cut down on run-on sentences or insert a slightly larger pause (than commas)
  • exclamation mark indicates surprise, urgency, suddenness; used to draw attention
  • question mark also can represent surprise, but is usually used for curiosity and sometimes demands