Speech Directed Toward Someone Who Is Absent Or Toward A Thing That Is Personified Is Called:A. Apostrophe B. Personification C. Imagery D. Metaphor

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Speech Directed Toward Someone Who is Absent or Toward a Thing That is Personified: Understanding Apostrophe

Apostrophe is a literary device used in speech or writing to address someone who is not present or to attribute human qualities to an inanimate object, animal, or idea. This technique is commonly used in poetry, literature, and everyday language to create a sense of intimacy, emphasis, or to convey complex emotions.

What is Apostrophe?

Apostrophe is a rhetorical device that involves speaking directly to someone who is not present, often to express emotions, thoughts, or feelings. It can also be used to address an abstract concept, an idea, or a thing that is personified. The term "apostrophe" comes from the Greek word "apostrophē," which means "turning away" or "addressing someone directly."

Types of Apostrophe

There are two main types of apostrophe: direct and indirect. Direct apostrophe involves speaking directly to someone who is not present, while indirect apostrophe involves addressing someone who is not present through a third person or an object.

Examples of Apostrophe

Apostrophe is a common literary device used in poetry and literature. Here are a few examples:

  • In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Romeo speaks to Juliet's tomb, saying, "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!" (Act 2, Scene 2). In this example, Romeo is speaking directly to Juliet's tomb, personifying her as the sun.
  • In Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven, the narrator speaks to the raven, saying, "Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'" (Stanza 18). In this example, the narrator is speaking directly to the raven, personifying it as a messenger of death.
  • In Emily Dickinson's poetry, she often uses apostrophe to address abstract concepts, such as death, love, and nature. For example, in her poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," she writes, "Because I could not stop for Death, / He kindly stopped for me; / The carriage held but just ourselves / And Immortality." (Poem 712). In this example, Dickinson is speaking directly to Death, personifying it as a kind and courteous suitor.

Functions of Apostrophe

Apostrophe serves several functions in literature and everyday language. It can:

  • Create a sense of intimacy and connection with the audience
  • Emphasize a point or idea
  • Convey complex emotions and thoughts
  • Personify abstract concepts or ideas
  • Create a sense of drama or tension

Distinguishing Apostrophe from Other Literary Devices

Apostrophe is often confused with other literary devices, such as personification, imagery, and metaphor. However, apostrophe is distinct from these devices in that it involves speaking directly to someone who is not present or to an abstract concept.

  • Personification involves attributing human qualities to an inanimate object, animal, or idea, but it does not involve speaking directly to someone who is not present.
  • Imagery involves using language to create vivid sensory experiences, but it does not involve speaking directly to someone who is not present.
  • Metaphor involves comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as," but it does not involve speaking directly to someone who is not present.

Conclusion

Apostrophe is a powerful literary device used to create a sense of intimacy, emphasis, or to convey complex emotions. It involves speaking directly to someone who is not present or to an abstract concept, and it can be used in poetry, literature, and everyday language. By understanding the functions and types of apostrophe, we can better appreciate the art of language and the ways in which it is used to convey meaning and emotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the difference between apostrophe and personification? A: Apostrophe involves speaking directly to someone who is not present, while personification involves attributing human qualities to an inanimate object, animal, or idea.
  • Q: Can apostrophe be used in everyday language? A: Yes, apostrophe is a common literary device used in everyday language to create a sense of intimacy or emphasis.
  • Q: What are some examples of apostrophe in literature? A: Examples of apostrophe can be found in the works of Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and Emily Dickinson, among others.

Further Reading

  • Shakespeare, W. (1595). Romeo and Juliet.
  • Poe, E. A. (1845). The Raven.
  • Dickinson, E. (1861). Because I Could Not Stop for Death.
  • Aristotle. (335 BCE). Rhetoric.
  • Kennedy, G. A. (1991). A New History of Classical Rhetoric.
    Apostrophe Q&A: Understanding the Literary Device

Q: What is the origin of the word "apostrophe"?

A: The word "apostrophe" comes from the Greek word "apostrophē," which means "turning away" or "addressing someone directly." In ancient Greek, the word referred to the act of turning away from someone or something to address another person or thing.

Q: What is the difference between apostrophe and personification?

A: Apostrophe involves speaking directly to someone who is not present, while personification involves attributing human qualities to an inanimate object, animal, or idea. While both devices involve giving human-like qualities to non-human entities, apostrophe is a more direct and explicit form of address.

Q: Can apostrophe be used in everyday language?

A: Yes, apostrophe is a common literary device used in everyday language to create a sense of intimacy or emphasis. For example, a person might say to their pet, "You're such a good boy!" or to a friend who is not present, "I wish you were here!"

Q: What are some examples of apostrophe in literature?

A: Examples of apostrophe can be found in the works of Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and Emily Dickinson, among others. In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Romeo speaks to Juliet's tomb, saying, "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!" (Act 2, Scene 2). In Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven, the narrator speaks to the raven, saying, "Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'" (Stanza 18).

Q: What are the functions of apostrophe in literature?

A: Apostrophe serves several functions in literature, including:

  • Creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the audience
  • Emphasizing a point or idea
  • Conveying complex emotions and thoughts
  • Personifying abstract concepts or ideas
  • Creating a sense of drama or tension

Q: Can apostrophe be used in poetry?

A: Yes, apostrophe is a common poetic device used to create a sense of intimacy or emphasis. Poets often use apostrophe to address abstract concepts, such as love, death, or nature.

Q: What are some tips for using apostrophe effectively in writing?

A: Here are some tips for using apostrophe effectively in writing:

  • Use apostrophe to create a sense of intimacy or connection with the audience
  • Use apostrophe to emphasize a point or idea
  • Use apostrophe to convey complex emotions and thoughts
  • Use apostrophe to personify abstract concepts or ideas
  • Use apostrophe to create a sense of drama or tension

Q: Can apostrophe be used in non-literary contexts?

A: Yes, apostrophe can be used in non-literary contexts, such as in advertising, public speaking, or even in everyday conversation. For example, a salesperson might say to a product, "You're the best!" or a public speaker might say to an audience, "You're the reason we're here today!"

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using apostrophe?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using apostrophe:

  • Using apostrophe to address someone who is present
  • Using apostrophe to attribute human qualities to an inanimate object, animal, or idea without using the device explicitly
  • Using apostrophe in a way that is overly dramatic or clichéd
  • Using apostrophe to avoid using more direct and explicit language

Q: How can I practice using apostrophe effectively in my writing?

A: Here are some tips for practicing using apostrophe effectively in your writing:

  • Read literature that uses apostrophe effectively
  • Practice using apostrophe in your own writing
  • Experiment with different forms of apostrophe, such as direct and indirect apostrophe
  • Pay attention to how apostrophe is used in everyday language and in non-literary contexts

Conclusion

Apostrophe is a powerful literary device used to create a sense of intimacy, emphasis, or to convey complex emotions. By understanding the functions and types of apostrophe, we can better appreciate the art of language and the ways in which it is used to convey meaning and emotion. Whether you're a writer, poet, or simply someone who enjoys language, apostrophe is a device worth exploring and mastering.