Skip to content

Aloud Quote by Robert Pinsky

“An underestimated element in poetry, that reading aloud makes clear, is the pause. I mean especially the force of a pause or a couple of pauses close together, contrasted with a longer unit of grammar.” quote by Robert Pinsky
Download Open image
“An underestimated element in poetry, that reading aloud makes clear, is the pause. I mean especially the force of a pause or a couple of pauses close together, contrasted with a longer unit of grammar.”

Robert Pinsky

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Poetics of Silence" by Robert Pinsky, 2005

Pauses in poetry create rhythm and emphasis, revealing meaning that continuous reading hides.

In simple terms: Pauses highlight meaning in poetry.

Key Takeaway

Use deliberate pauses when reading aloud.

Themes

poetry rhythm language expression

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

analytical educational

When to use this quote

  • public reading
  • teaching poetry
  • writing workshops

Key Concepts

prosody syntactic timing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do pauses change your perception of a poem?
  • When is silence more powerful than words?
A Different Perspective

Overusing pauses can disrupt flow and confuse listeners.

2.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Robert Pinsky

Explore all 60 Robert Pinsky quotes

More Aloud quotes

Browse all 132 Aloud quotes