Here's how dashes in "The Wind Began to Knead Grass" affect reading and understanding:
1. Creating a Pause:
* Emphasis and Dramatic Effect: Yeats uses dashes to create abrupt pauses, similar to a gasp or a sudden change in thought. This amplifies the emotional weight of the lines. For example, "The wind began to knead grass—and what should I do?" The dash emphasizes the speaker's helplessness and confusion.
* Shifting Focus: Dashes can mark a change in the direction of thought or a shift in perspective. This can be seen in lines like, "And what should I do?—what should I do?" The dash creates a dramatic pause, as if the speaker is searching for an answer, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
2. Setting Apart Phrases:
* Adding Clarity: Dashes can separate phrases, making them stand out and emphasizing their importance. For example, in the line "The wind began to knead grass—and what should I do?" the dash separates the speaker's observation from their immediate reaction.
* Creating Internal Dialogue: Dashes can mark a break within a sentence, suggesting a pause for reflection or internal thought. This is evident in the lines "The wind began to knead grass—and what should I do?—I felt as if I were to be born again." The dashes create an internal monologue, allowing the reader to enter the speaker's mind.
3. Building Tension:
* Suspense and Uncertainty: The use of dashes builds anticipation and creates a sense of uncertainty. This can be seen in the line "The wind began to knead grass—and what should I do?–I felt as if I were to be born again—and what should I do?" Each dash adds to the feeling of suspense, mirroring the speaker's confusion and uncertainty.
Overall, in "The Wind Began to Knead Grass," Yeats' use of dashes creates a sense of urgency, introspection, and emotional depth. They act as punctuation marks that emphasize the speaker's inner turmoil and highlight the dramatic shifts in perspective within the poem.
If you're interested in exploring the poem further, I recommend looking at other analyses and critiques of the work. They can help you deepen your understanding of Yeats's style and the power of dashes in poetry.