Question

What is the significance of the use of dashes in Emily Dickinson's poems?

• A. They are merely decorative and have no specific meaning.
• B. They indicate a lack of education and grammatical errors.
• C. They create pauses and disruptions, emphasizing certain words and ideas.
• D. They are used to replace commas for stylistic effect.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. They create pauses and disruptions, emphasizing certain words and ideas.

The dashes in Dickinson's poems are a distinctive feature of her style, creating pauses, interruptions, and hesitations that can emphasize certain words or ideas. The dashes contribute to the rhythm and pacing of the poem. These marks invite readers to pause, reflect, and consider the multiple layers of meaning within her verses.