Writers have used apostrophes since ancient times and by many well-known writers of the English-language literary tradition. In literature, apostrophe is a figure of speech sometimes repre sented by an exclamation, such as "Oh." A writer . Don't confuse this with the punctuation mark which is also called an apostrophe, as in the phrase "John's cat. Culler's writing on lyric, I will be arguing in the course of this article, provides us with a partial picture of lyric poetry because, to borrow Eric Griffiths's paraphrase of the ordinary language philosopher J.L. The figure of speech serves a vital function in everyone from Mary Shelley's works ( "Scoffing devil! The figure of speech serves a vital function in everyone from Mary Shelley's works ( "Scoffing devil! - the exclamation point/mark is used to express a sudden outcry, excitement, finality or just add emphasis. Otherwise, an apostrophe is a call to somebody or something absent, but personification is the attribution of human emotions and sentiments to inanimate objects. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} The inanimate objects are personified, or described and spoken to as if human. allows the reader to visualize all of the poet's family and friends. Zeitlin shows through an informal and . It is through you visiting Poem Analysis that we are able to contribute to charity. The use of apostrophe in the poem creates a detached effect, since the reader is not addressed directly. Big Besides indicating possession and an omitted character, they are also literary devices in plays, novels, and. In another Shakespeare play Hamlet, the main character, Hamlet, in the famous churchyard scene, addresses the skull of the former court jester: "Alas, poor Yorick! Using an apostrophe with a solo character makes the scene more dramatic and interesting if they are having an imagined conversation with someone who is not present or with an inanimate object. Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. The apostrophe we will be discussing today, however, is very different. Poem Analysis, https://poemanalysis.com/literary-device/apostrophe/. Apostrophe in Poetry Apostrophes mostly found in poetry, prose, fiction and literature. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? Anaphora describes a poem that repeats the same phrase at the beginning of each line. The simple "I am" anaphora draws attention towards the poet's increasing need to define himself, while also setting the poet up for a series of well-crafted poetic devices. -It connects the reader to the speaker's message. 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Valdemar: Summary & Analysis, The Hop Frog by Edgar Allan Poe: Summary & Analysis, The Hop Frog by Edgar Allan Poe: Characters & Setting, Edgar Allan Poe's Ligeia: Summary & Analysis, The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether: Summary & Theme, Al Aaraaf by Edgar Allan Poe: Summary & Analysis, The City in the Sea by Edgar Allan Poe: Summary & Analysis, The Conqueror Worm by Edgar Allan Poe: Summary & Analysis, Eulalie by Edgar Allan Poe: Summary & Analysis, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, Walt Whitman's When Lilacs in the Dooryard Bloom'd: "O powerful western fallen star! The use of apostrophe in the poem creates a detached effect, since the reader is not addressed directly. We also discussed the long history of the term apostrophe, which stretches back to Ancient Greece, and noted the difference between the use of the word apostrophe to describe a literary device and its use to denote the mark of punctuation used in forming the possessive -'s and contractions. In both John Donne's and John Keats's poems, the speaker first addresses something inhuman and uses this as an opportunity to philosophize about weighty topics such as life and death or happiness and sadness. Perhaps you thought apostrophes did only this one trick, but they have at least one more role. Apostrophe as a punction mark is a mark we use to write contractions; when two words are shortened into one (for example, isn't from is not), form the possessive -'s, and pluralize individual characters (such as alphabetical letters) in English. In Williamss play, Tom Wingfield suddenly leaves his home behind, along with his mother Amanda and sister Laura, in an attempt to escape their suffocating and dysfunctional family dynamic. Instead, it is a literary device that helps the writer accomplish a goal. Though it may appear that apostrophe as punctuation is entirely different from apostrophe as a literary device, there is a similar foundation to their functions. In poetry, apostrophes are often used to address abstract concepts or parts of nature. In Poes well-known poem, the poet speaks to a visiting raven. What is the effect of alliteration in poetry? However, there are nearest synonyms such as a footnote, aside, deflection, departure, divagation, or divergence when it comes to the delivery of an apostrophe in dialogs used in a drama or dramatic poetry. Do you intuit a missing person or thing? Much of the narration of Walkers novel is done with the use of an apostrophe, as Celie addresses her thoughts, feelings, and observations to God. Apostrophe and personifications are two different terms, but it seems that they are almost the same. Nordquist, Richard. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Learn the literary definition of apostrophe, identify its purpose, and find apostrophe examples in literature, including poetry. Williams utilizes apostrophe at the close of the play to reveal that Laura is still very much a part of Toms thoughts and existence. Apostrophe is effective in a literary work for its dramatic effect, to demonstrate the importance of the object, idea, or absent person, and to allow readers to witness a characters personal and intimate expression. Literary Definition and Examples, What Is a Rhetorical Question? As a literary device, apostrophe is used in literature to allow a character to speak to an object, abstract idea, absent person, or someone who doesnt exist as if it is a living, present person. When John Keats addresses the nightingale, a bird, in his Ode to a Nightingale, he is both personifying the nightingale and utilizing apostrophe, stating: "Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!". Apostrophes are also present in poetry, songs, and fiction. Litotes Purpose & Examples | What is Litotes? - Types, Examples & Definitions, What is a Metaphor? Keeping in mind that an apostrophe signifies omission, read the following excerpt from Christopher Marlowes. Apostrophe Concept, Rules & Examples | What is an Apostrophe? Microscopic Apostrophes are not one-trick ponies. In addition to being a punctuation mark, an apostrophe is afigure of speech in which some absent or nonexistent person or thing is addressed as if present and capable of understanding. Apostrophes frequently target an absent person or a third party. It is through this work, as he continues to talk to death, that Donne explains that this is not the case. Readers may easily confuse this device with the punctuation mark of the same name. What is an apostrophe in poem? In these lines, Donne says very clearly that death is not proud even though some think that it is. Like the punctuation mark, the apostrophe in literature is therefore related to an intentional omission. Write with Grammarly. One reason is to highlight the importance of the idea or object. She speaks directly the dagger she is about to kill herself with. For example, in John Donnes poem Death, be not proud, the poet addresses Death as if it is a living, present person: Death, Be Not Proud, though some have called theeMighty and dreadful, for thou are not so; By using an apostrophe, the poet is able to share their thoughts and feelings about death as an abstract idea by speaking to Death as if it could hear or understand. As in the example above, one of the speakers turns away from addressing another character or the audience and instead addresses a third party. Us see her twice a month for half an hour. This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die. The best of both worlds is an idiom that describes getting everything one wants. A teeny tiny It affects how the reader will view the verse or poem: Life is. Oh, rose, how sweet you smell and how bright you look! Sometimes, these types of poems are called poems of address. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Apostrophe An address to a dead or absent person, or personification as if he or she were present. In modern times, television showsespecially comediesoften use this feature to call out to their audiences. As a literary device, apostrophe refers to a speech or address to a person who is not present or to a personified object, such as Yorick's skull in Hamlet. ", One example of an apostrophe in literature is when the speaker of Walt Whitman's poem "When Lilacs last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" addresses the Western Star: "O powerful western fallen star! Oh, Laura, Laura, I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be !I reach for a cigarette, I cross the street, I run into the movies or a bar, I buy a drink, I speak tothe nearest stranger -anything that can blow your candles out ! for nowadays the world is lit by lightning ! Male, female, He made them. This is done to produce dramatic effect and to show the importance of the object or idea. Hamlet calls out to the abstraction "frailty" in Act 1: "Frailty, thy name is woman! I would have rather with me at this hour to fight in the battle. Later in the play, she says, 'O, happy dagger! As with techniques such as personification and anthropomorphism, it helps the reader empathize with the recipient of the speakers words and understand it/them better. O, my boy! Keeping in mind that an apostrophe signifies omission, read the following excerpt from Christopher Marlowes Edward II. For example, in "Death Be Not Proud" by John Donne, each line of the poem contains an apostrophe that creates a different feeling or tone. Thus let me rust and die.' Deadly germ? Although Yorick is not present, Hamlet addresses him through his skull as though he were. The voice I hear this passing night was heard. This could be a person they know or dont know someone who is alive or dead, or someone who never existed at all. Scansion in Poetry Concept & Examples | What Is Scansion? Enjambment is one way poets can manipulate the rhythm of their poems. When a writer uses this technique they are able to give life to creatures, people, and objects that might otherwise seem flat and relatively unimportant. Even if you didnt, youve probably heard people quoting the famous line delivered by Robert De Niros character: You talkin to me? This phrase demonstrates another function of apostrophes. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 Then Ill be brief. Where should I find you after you have left us? What are Understatements & Litotes in Literature? This is a metaphor for the death of Abraham Lincoln, and it's a poem about loss and the absence of a great leader. People may do this internally or by speaking aloud. This may be a sound, like O! comes from a Greek term meaning turning away. So, in poetry, an apostrophe is not a punctuation mark. In literature, they are often used to create a more dramatic effect. Such is the case when characters on "Battlestar Galactica" call out "Frakking toasters" every time something goes wrong on the spaceship, with the toasters in questions being the humanoid Cylons whose goal is to destroy the remaining human population on board. Be careful as it is essential not to confuse the word apostrophe when used to describe a literary device with the punctuation mark also called an apostrophe. ". The apostrophe. Note that in both of these examples, the speaker begins with 'O,' a common way to start an apostrophe to show that the speaker is addressing someone or something when they are not real or present. This is perhaps Keatss best-known poem. Second Lord: Thus, madam, tis the kings will you shall hence. - It gives the speaker a voice. Thy winds, thy wide grey skies! Antithesis: Examples | What is Antithesis in Literature? At a later point in the play, Juliet again uses apostrophe when she addresses her speech to a dagger: "O, happy dagger! Metaphysical poetry is marked by the use of elaborate figurative languages, original conceits, paradoxes, and philosophical topics. Approximate Rhyme | Overview, Examples & Usage, Synecdoche vs. Metonymy: Definitions & Examples, 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Study.com ACT® English Test Section: Prep & Practice, Study.com ACT® Reading Test Section: Prep & Practice, GACE Program Admission Assessment Test I Reading (210): Practice & Study Guide, 11th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Common Core ELA - Literature Grades 11-12: Standards, Common Core ELA - Writing Grades 11-12: Standards, Create an account to start this course today. What is the effect of an apostrophe in poetry? Figures of Speech: The Apostrophe as a Literary Device. Have you experienced strong emotion? Apostrophes frequently target an absent person or a third party. "Apostrophe". Dirty convict uniforms, nasty sheets and blankets piled way over her head. Reference.com brings out this point: "The effect of an apostrophe in poetry is to personify or bring to life something not living, so the poet is able to address it directly. By using an apostrophe, the poet is able to share their thoughts and feelings about death as an abstract idea by "speaking" to Death as if it could hear or understand. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. https://www.thoughtco.com/apostrophe-figure-of-speech-1689118 (accessed November 16, 2022). Here are some common examples of an apostrophe in everyday speech: Apostrophe is often utilized in song lyrics as a means of addressing something that is inanimate or an abstract idea. Playwrights and poets employ apostrophes for several reasons, including allowing a character or speaker to address someone who is not present, philosophize on an abstract concept, or address a part of nature. "The effect of an apostrophe in poetry is to personify or bring to life something not living, so the poet is able to address it directly. They might even address an inanimate object or a place. An apostrophe is a literary device in which the speaker addresses either an absent person or a non-human object, idea, or being and is commonly found in plays and poems. 's' : ''}}. The apostrophe is defined as the punctuation mark, which is used to indicate the possession or omission of letters.The effect of apostrophe's on a poem is:. Its main function is to capture the interest of an audience. Though the Raven is present in the poem and does repeatedly respond with the word nevermore, Poe still incorporates apostrophe as a literary device on behalf of the speaker/poet. The paired words are an oxymoron because of their meanings. Therefore, this is considered to be an example of an apostrophe. Examples of Apostrophe: 1. O world, I cannot hold thee close enough! Examples of Apostrophe: 1. However, when Juliet delivers her soliloquy on her balcony and cries out for Romeo, this is an example of literary apostrophe because she addresses someone she does not believe to be present. Definition and Examples, A Definition of the Literary Term, Cacophony, Brief Introductions to Common Figures of Speech, 20th Century American Speeches as Literary Texts, 'The Odyssey' Themes and Literary Devices, 20 Figures of Speech That We Never Heard About in School. Did you see the film? - Definition, Examples & History in Literature and Drama, Allegory in Literature: History, Definition & Examples, Consonance, Assonance, and Repetition: Definitions & Examples, Understatement & Litotes: Differences, Definitions & Examples, Symbolism & Imagery in Literature: Definitions & Examples, Tone vs. It is as a force personified. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/apostrophe-figure-of-speech-1689118. The device is also used in the carol "Oh Christmas Tree" as people sing not only about the cherished holiday topiary but to it. Baldwin, Emma. When "Star Trek"'s Captain James Kirk waves his fist in the air and yells "Khaaan!" Wiki User 2009-09-01 22:37:39 Study now See answer (1) Copy ; An apostrophe is a group of words that are spoken to a person who is absent or. All terms defined are created by a team of talented literary experts, to provide an in-depth look into literary terms and poetry, like no other. Apostrophe - when a character in a literary work speaks to an object, an idea, or someone who doesn't exist as if it is a living person. They put Sofia to work in the prison laundry. It also appears in the play "Hamlet" when the title character is in a rage about his mother marrying Claudius. Categorically, apostrophe fits into the English vernacular as part of theironyfamily alongside aporiaa figure of speech in which the speaker expresses real or simulated doubt on a topicwherein the speaker of an apostrophe obviously understands that the subject cannot truly understand the words but instead uses the speech to emphasize his or her description of that object. Even as early as Grecian times when Homer wrote "The Odyssey," apostrophes were used as literary devices to break from addressing the primary audience to instead speak to a third party, with the relatively impersonal narrator occasionally butting in to break the third wall and inform the audience members of some plot device they may have missed. Now, one of the most significant characteristics of the apostrophe is the feeling or effect of closeness that it generates between the receiver and the sender. Have you experienced strong emotion? In addition, by writing/speaking to God, the reader is able to implicitly trust Celies narration of the events and other characters in the novel. -It makes an imagined addressee feel present. In a famous scene from the play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet delivers a soliloquy on her balcony, which begins with the following line: "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?". Other times, they focus on an inanimate object, a place, or even an abstract idea. This enables the author to deep insightinto the mind of the character/narrator. Many notable and famous examples of apostrophes come from passages in Shakespeare. An example of apostrophe. Apostrophe, in poetry, is a figure of speech in which a character or speaker addresses someone who is absent. An error occurred trying to load this video. In turn, this literary device also allows the poet to share their innermost emotions and ideas about death with the reader to create a greater impact. our fearful trip is done, ThoughtCo. An author uses apostrophes for multiple reasons, including allowing characters to address absent characters during soliloquies and philosophizing about topics such a life, death, happiness, and sadness, often with an element of personification. By addressing the bird he is able to show his dedication to it and love for it. Queen Isabelle: Then come, sweet death, and rid me of this grief. What effects can apostrophe have on a poem choose four answers? These disparate recipients of a speakers words are unified by the belief, on the part of the speaker, real or not, that whoever or whatever they are speaking to can hear and understand them. In effect, personification creates figurative changes that focus on an emotional response (flowers dancing or the sun shining creates a positive feeling), whereas anthropomorphism creates literal . 2. The bird which the speaker of Ode to a Nightingale addresses. Apostrophe is found throughout literature: it appears in poetry, prose, and drama, and across all eras from ancient Greek epic poetry through modern times. Sign up to unveil the best kept secrets in poetry. The paired words are an oxymoron because of their disparity. the atmosphere conveyed in the poem builds tension evokes emotions in the reader.

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