Question

What is the purpose of a caesura in poetry?

Answer 1

A caesura is a slight pause in a line of poetry. Its purpose depends on the context of the words.

Explanation:

A caesura occurs in most lines poetry to break the line into 'chunks' of meaning, to extend meanings, to contrast ideas to produce rhythmic effects, etc. Usually there is a single caesura in a line, but there can be more.
e.g.
Oh dear, * she cried
Why do I, so often, lie.