* Voice and Tone: Free verse poetry allowed Hesse to capture the raw, honest, and often heartbreaking voice of Billie Jo, the young protagonist. The lack of traditional rhyme and meter mirrored Billie Jo's internal struggles and the harsh realities of her life during the Dust Bowl. The free verse format allowed for a more direct and emotional expression of Billie Jo's thoughts and feelings, reflecting the immediacy of her experiences.
* Rhythm and Imagery: The free verse form allows for a more flexible rhythm and structure, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the Dust Bowl environment. The lines often break at unexpected points, creating a sense of disorientation and echoing the emotional turbulence of the characters. Hesse also uses evocative imagery, relying on powerful metaphors and similes to depict the harshness of the dust storms and the emotional devastation they bring.
* Narrative Structure: By using free verse, Hesse could craft a unique narrative structure that echoed the themes of resilience and hope. The poems often act as individual scenes, offering glimpses into Billie Jo's life and the changes she endures. The free verse form allowed for a more fragmented and nonlinear narrative, reflecting the fractured nature of Billie Jo's life and the way she pieced together her memories and experiences.
* Accessibility: Free verse poetry can be more accessible to a wider audience, especially young readers. The lack of traditional rhyme schemes and complex structures can make the poems easier to understand and engage with.
By choosing free verse, Hesse created a powerful and evocative narrative that captured the essence of the Dust Bowl and its impact on the lives of those who lived through it. The use of free verse poetry enhances the novel's emotional impact, allowing readers to connect deeply with Billie Jo's experiences and struggles.