How to create meaning for a reader with spacing and paragraphing

1. THE MEANINGS
BEHIND POETIC
SPACING AND
PARAGRAPHING
I can recognize and find meaning in an author’s choices beyond the use of words.

2. If you look closely, a good portion of meaning can be found outside of the poems
or poetic prose. Specifically, the “white space” and the "line breaks” are utilized to
good effect by Holly Thompson in Orchards.
Line breaks and white space work together to enhance poetic writing.
Keep in mind there are two types of poetic line breaks: end-stopped and enjambed.
1) A line does not necessarily mean a complete sentence. This is end-stopped.
2) A line can also be fragments where a sentence is split into two or more lines. Those line breaks are called
enjambment. It’s where end words dangle at the edge of that silent world — the right margin.
With careful wording, we can suggest to our readers that there is more than
what meets the eye, as we lead them into the white space and allow their
thoughts to linger there.
I can recognize and find meaning in an author’s choices beyond the use of words.

3. An example
Here is the original having:
• precise syllable count
• rhythm and rhyme
• predictable line breaks
The sky turned black as thunder cracked,
trees writhed and heaved a breath
the wind possessed with howling ghosts
their moans foretelling death.
Here the author chooses to add meaning by using
white space and line breaks.
The sky turned black
as thunder cracked trees
writhed and heaved
a breath the wind possessed with howling
ghosts
their moans
foretelling
death.
Discuss the added meaning that comes with the end stops and enjambement used by the author. What is the
overall effect on the reader?
I can recognize and find meaning in an author’s choices
beyond the use of words.

4. Consolidation with unit novel
Find a passage Orchards that uses one or both of
space and line breaks to produce a crafted effect
on the reader; adds meaning to the story.
Rewrite it in a simpler prose style. Does it lose
anything?
How would you use this in your own summer
memory story?
I can recognize and find meaning in an author’s
choices beyond the use of words.