apostrophe figure of speech definition and examples

Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of apostrophe, difference between apostrophe as a literary device and apostrophe as a punctuation mark, common examples of apostrophe.

Many of us are familiar with using apostrophe without realizing it. Apostrophe occurs we address our car on a cold day, either pleading with it to start or yelling at it when it doesn’t. Or perhaps we get an email from someone and start responding out loud, knowing that the person won’t hear the message. In this way, though apostrophe may seem unnatural in the context of plays and omniscient narrators addressing the audience, it is, in fact, perfectly natural in our daily lives. Apostrophe is also found in popular songs and other media. For example:

Significance of Apostrophe in Literature

Examples of apostrophe in literature.

JULIET: Yea, noise? Then I’ll be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.

( Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare)

HAMLET: Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath bore me on his back a thousand times, and now how abhorr’d in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it.

ANTONY: O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever livèd in the tide of times.

( Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare)

Antony is addressing the bloody corpse of Julius Caesar and apologizing to it than he is not being more forceful with the men (“these butchers” who led to Caesar’s murder. Antony calls Caesar “thou bleeding piece of earth,” acknowledging that Caesar no longer has any power to respond. Yet Antony, overcome with remorse and grief, feels the need to both apologize to Caesar and praise Caesar’s virtues even after death.

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou are not so; For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown…

And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected.

( East of Eden by John Steinbeck)

Test Your Knowledge of Apostrophe

1. Choose the correct definition of apostrophe as a literary device: A. A punctuation mark that stands in place of omitted letters. B. An exclamatory figure of speech when a character turns from addressing one party to another party or inanimate object. C. The act of omitting information necessary to the plot to keep readers guessing. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #1″] Answer: B is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressèd brain?

A. Macbeth is talking to a friend named Dagger. B. Macbeth is gripping a real dagger and telling a friend about its qualities. C. Macbeth is addressing an imaginary dagger and assigning it qualities. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: C is the best answer.[/spoiler]

3. Which of the following quotes from Herman Melville’s story “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is an example of apostrophe? A. Ah Bartleby! Ah Humanity! B. I would prefer not to. C. Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive resistance. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: A is an example of apostrophe. B is the most famous line from the story, yet Bartleby addresses it to a person directing commands at him, and thus it is not apostrophe.[/spoiler]

The Other Kind of 'Apostrophe'

What to Know 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. It comes from the Greek word apostrephein which means "to turn away."

You are already familiar with the punctuation mark known as the apostrophe . It’s used chiefly in tandem with an s to indicate possession (as in Joe’s car ) or in contractions to stand in for letters that are elided (as in couldn’t or you’ll ).

Apostrophe's Other Use

If you study drama or rhetoric, you will be familiar with an entirely different idea of apostrophe —that is, the making of a speech or address to an absent person or a thing that is personified (such as Death).

As Love’s play begins, she stands tense and exhausted on her front porch, surrounded by red, rolling sky, pulling on a cigarette and staring into the void. She speaks aloud a letter she’s writing to someone called Ruby, then falters, turns the paper over, and begins to write to God instead. (Love’s play features an epigraph from Alice Walker’s The Color Purple , and the novel’s influence is present throughout, especially in Olivia’s apostrophes to God.) — Sara Holdren, Vulture , 15 Oct. 2018

'Trophe or not 'trophe

A commonly cited instance of apostrophe occurs in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet , when Hamlet comes across the skull of the jester Yorick, which has been exhumed. “Alas, poor Yorick!” he says, calling his old friend “a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.” He then turns back to address Yorick by way of the skull:

Ham. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? — William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Apostrophe can consist of one speaking to an inanimate object—such as how Tom Hanks's character addresses the volleyball named Wilson in the film Cast Away (2000). It can occur as a figure of speech, as in the old advertising slogan "Calgon, take me away!"

Origin of 'Apostrophe'

The words for both the punctuation mark and the dramatic device come from a Greek verb, apostrephein , meaning “to turn away.” But they took slightly different paths en route to English, with the dramatic device passing through Latin and the punctuation through Late Latin and French.

The adjective apostrophic pertains to the dramatic device:

"Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Chicken" was, apparently, written with a total lack of irony. It includes a stanza full of apostrophic plea to meat substitutes: "Oh soy 'chicken,' where are your bones? / Where shall I get broth, rich in minerals? / Oh soy 'chicken,' where is your fat? / Without Jewish penicillin, how to cure my husband's cold?" — Kathleen Alcott, The New Yorker , 22 June 2015

The verb strephein , meaning “to turn” in Greek, is found in other words pertaining to the art of rhetoric. One is anastrophe (the inversion of the usual syntactical order of words for rhetorical effect), often referred to as Yoda-speak , for the sagacious Star Wars character known for speaking in object-subject-verb syntax. An example comes from Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield (1848): "Talent, Mr. Micawber has; capital, Mr. Micawber has not." Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses (such as Abraham Lincoln's "of the people, by the people, for the people"). And we would be remiss if we didn’t bring up catastrophe , which to most people means an utter failure or disaster, but in theater refers to the final action that completes the unraveling of a dramatic plot.

And while we’d hate to end our article on apostrophe on such a catastrophic turn, them’s the breaks.

Want more? Read our list of Common rhetorical devices !

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Figures of Speech: The Apostrophe as a Literary Device

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In addition to being a punctuation mark, an apostrophe is a  figure of speech in which some absent or nonexistent person or thing is addressed as if present and capable of understanding. Also known as a turne tale , aversio , and aversion , apostrophes are more often found in poetry than in  prose .

An apostrophe is a form of personification  that essayist Brendan McGuigan describes in "Rhetorical Devices" as "a forceful, emotional device" most ideally used in "creative writing and  persuasive  essays that lean heavily on emotional strength." However, McGuigan goes on to say that "in  formal  persuasive and informative essays, using apostrophe might seem a bit melodramatic and distracting."

To provide a bit of context, look no further than the famous poem by Jane Taylor turned modern-day nursery rhyme "The Star," written in 1806, which calls out to the celestial body of a star saying, "Twinkle, twinkle, little star,/How I wonder what you are." In this case, the apostrophe speaks directly to an inanimate star "up above the world so high," personifying it and pondering how it's doing.

The device is also used in the carol "Oh Christmas Tree" as people sing not only ​ about the cherished holiday topiary but to it.

Importance of Apostrophe in Poetry, Prose, and Song

As a form of  direct address  to an inanimate object, apostrophe serves to further poetic imagery and often emphasizes the emotional weight of objects in our everyday world. The figure of speech serves a vital function in everyone from Mary Shelley's works ( "Scoffing devil! Again do I vow vengeance" from "Frankenstein" to Simon & Garfunkel's hit smash "The Sound of Silence" ("Hello darkness, my old friend,/I’ve come to talk with you again").

Apostrophe happens in Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18" as the narrator starts out speaking to an absent "thee": "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" It also appears in the play "Hamlet" when the title character is in a rage about his mother marrying Claudius. Hamlet calls out to the abstraction "frailty" in Act 1: "Frailty, thy name is woman!"

In Edgar Allen Poe's works, he distinctly speaks to a raven sitting "upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door as if it could understand him in the poem of the same name, and in the poem "To One in Paradise," he starts out addressing his love (absent from the scene) thus: "Thou wast all that to me, love."

Just as in poetry, the literary device comes up in song often, such as any time that the words are directed to someone not able to hear. Or in addressing the inanimate. In the smash #1 hit by the doo-wop group the Marcels from 1961, the "Blue Moon" is addressed: "Blue moon, you saw me standing alone/without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own." 

Categorically, apostrophe fits into the English vernacular as part of the  irony  family alongside aporia—a figure of speech in which the speaker expresses real or simulated doubt on a topic—wherein 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.

More Examples From Pop Culture

Next time you're watching your favorite television show, take a moment to see if you can spot any clever usage of apostrophes from the characters—you might be shocked at how often this figure of speech is utilized to help actors convey their messages to audiences.

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. 

In modern times, television shows—especially comedies—often use this feature to call out to their audiences. 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. 

When "Star Trek"'s Captain James Kirk waves his fist in the air and yells "Khaaan!" at his absent nemesis, that's also a use of apostrophe .

In the movie "Cast Away," to keep from losing his mind, the character Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks, talks to a volleyball, Wilson. Fortunately, it doesn't talk back.

Although most commonly used in spoken rhetoric, apostrophes can also come into play in written forms; such is the case in a famous example of a cigarette advertisement firm addressing young audiences in its ad—who couldn't buy the product—to appeal to older audiences who long to re-experience the proverbial "youth" the cigarette marketer was trying to sell.

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Apostrophe Definition In literature, apostrophe is a determine of speech on occasion represented through an exclamation, such as “Oh.” A writer or speaker, using apostrophe, speaks at once to someone who isn't gift or is dead, or speaks to an inanimate object. It is important not to confuse apostrophe, the literary device, with the apostrophe punctuation mark (‘). The punctuation mark shows possession, or marks the omission of 1 or greater letters (contraction). Apostrophe in literature is an arrangement of phrases addressing a non-existent person or an abstract concept in such a manner as though it have been present and capable of understanding feelings. Examples of Apostrophe in Literature English literature is replete with times of apostrophe. Let us have a look at some examples. Example #1: Macbeth (By William Shakespeare) William Shakespeare uses apostrophe in his play Macbeth: “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle towards my hand? Come, let me grab thee! I have thee no longer, and but I see thee still.” In his mental conflict earlier than murdering King Duncan, Macbeth has a abnormal imaginative and prescient of a dagger and talks to it as though it had been a person. Example #2: The Star (By Jane Taylor) Jane Taylor makes use of apostrophe in the famous poem, The Star: “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I surprise what you are. Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.” This poem became one of the most popular nursery rhymes informed to little children – often inside the shape of song. In this nursery rhyme, a baby speaks to a star (an inanimate object). Hence, that is a classic instance of apostrophe. Example #3: Frankenstein (By Mary Shelly) Look at how Mary Shelly makes use of apostrophe in her novel Frankenstein: “Oh! Stars and clouds and winds, ye are all about to mock me; if ye definitely pity me, overwhelm sensation and memory; permit me emerge as as naught; but if not, depart, depart, and leave me in darkness.” Talking to stars, clouds, and winds is apostrophe. Example #4: Death Be Not Proud (By John Donne) “Death be not proud, although a few have referred to as thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so, For, those, whom thou think’st, thou dost overthrow, Die not, terrible death, nor yet canst thou kill me.” Here, Donne speaks to death, an abstract concept, as if it have been someone able to comprehending his feelings. Example #5: The Sun Rising (By John Donne) John Donne once extra makes use of apostrophe in his poem The Sun Rising: “Busy vintage fool, unruly Sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows, and thru curtains, name on us? Must to thy motions lovers’ seasons run? Saucy pedantic wretch …” The poet addresses the solar in an informal and colloquial manner, as if it have been a real human being. He asks the Sun in a rude manner why the Sun regarded and spoiled the coolest time he became having together with his beloved. Example #5: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (By James Joyce) James Joyce makes use of apostrophe in his novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: “Welcome, O existence! I cross to stumble upon for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge inside the smithy of my soul the uncreated moral sense of my race.” Being able to speak to some thing abstract – like life itself – is possible most effective in literature. Example #6: To a Stranger Born in Some Distant Country Hundreds of Years from Now (By Billy Collins) In this excerpt, the poet uses conventional apostrophe beginning with “O”: “O stranger of the future! O inconceivable being! Whatever the form of your house, However you scoot from region to area, No depend how atypical and colorless the clothes you can wear, I bet nobody likes a wet canine either. I bet every body on your pub, Even the children, pushes her away.” The speaker is speakme to an imaginary character, the “stranger.” Example #7: Sire (By W. S. Merwin) Another apostrophe instance comes from the poem Sire, written by way of W. S. Merwin: “Forerunner, I would like to say, silent pilot, Little dry death, future, Your indirections are as odd to me As my own. I know so little that anything You may inform me might be a revelation.” Function of Apostrophe By using apostrophe in their literary works, writers try to carry abstract ideas or non-existent humans to life, so that the character of emotions they want to speak comes throughout in a better way. It is extra convenient for readers to narrate themselves to abstract feelings when they look at them in their natural surroundings. In addition, the use of apostrophe motivates readers to increase a perspective this is fresh, in addition to creative.

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• Washington State University - Apostrophes

apostrophe , a rhetorical device by which a speaker turns from the audience as a whole to address a single person or thing. For example, in William Shakespeare ’s Julius Caesar , Mark Antony addresses the corpse of Caesar in the speech that begins:

O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!

Another example is in the first stanza of William Wordsworth ’s poem “Ode to Duty”:

Stern Daughter of the Voice of God! O Duty! if that name thou love Who are a light to guide, a rod To check the erring, and reprove; Thou, who art victory and law When empty terrors overawe; From vain temptations dost set free; And calm’st the weary strife of frail humanity!

Table of Contents

Introduction, what is apostrophe figure of speech, definition:, function of apostrophe as a figure of speech, examples of apostrophe from literature and pop culture.

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou her maid art far more fair than she. From “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespear

“O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times.” From “ Julius Caesar “ ( Act 3, Scene 1) by William Shakespeare

In these lines from John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” the speaker is addressing “holy Light” as if it were a person. The use of “Hail” and the direct address to Light personifies it and is characteristic of apostrophe in literature.

Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heaven firstborn, Or of the Eternal coeternal beam May I express thee unblam’d? since God is light, And never but in unapproached light Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee Bright effluence of bright essence increate. From “Paradise Lost” by John Milon

“May she wake in torment!” he cried, with frightful vehemence, stamping his foot, and groaning in a sudden paroxysm of ungovernable passion. “Why, she’s a liar to the end! Where is she? Not there — not in heaven — not perished — where? Oh! you said you cared nothing for my sufferings! And I pray one prayer — I repeat it till my tongue stiffens — Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest, as long as I am living! You said I killed you — haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe — I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always — take any form — drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!” From “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë

Hail to thee, blithe Spirit! Bird thou never wert, That from Heaven, or near it, Pourest thy full heart In profuse strains of unpremeditated art. From “To a Skylark” by Percy Bysshe Shelley’s

In these lines from John Keats’s “Ode to a Grecian Urn,” the speaker addresses the Grecian Urn directly, using “Thou” and describing its qualities. This direct address to an inanimate object characterizes the use of apostrophe in literature.

THOU still unravish’d bride of quietness, Thou foster-child of silence and slow time, Sylvan historian, who canst thus express A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme: What leaf-fring’d legend haunts about thy shape Of deities or mortals, or of both, In Tempe or the dales of Arcady? What men or gods are these? What maidens loth? What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape? What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstas From “Ode to a Grecian Urn” by John Keats

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding, For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning; Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head! It is some dream that on the deck, You’ve fallen cold and dead. From “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman

“Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so.” From “ Holy Sonnet ” X by John Donne

“Hello darkness, my old friend I’ve come to talk with you again.” From The Sounds of Silence by Paul Simon.

Apostrophe Literary Device — Definition and Examples

What is an apostrophe as a literary device.

An apostrophe is a literary device writers use to address someone or something that is not physically present. The subject may be dead, absent, inanimate, or abstract.

The literary device should not be confused with the punctuation mark. As a punctuation mark, the apostrophe forms contractions (e.g., cannot = can’t) or shows possession (e.g., Mike’s dog).

An apostrophe refers to an address to someone or something not physically present.

The subject being addressed can be dead, absent, inanimate, or abstract.

The literary device is used both in everyday language and literary works.

Apostrophe as a figure of speech does not relate to the apostrophe as a punctuation mark.

Functions of an apostrophe

The function of an apostrophe depends upon who or what is being addressed:

Apostrophe examples

The following examples illustrate the use of apostrophes in everyday speech, film, and music:

Apostrophe examples in poetry

Examples of apostrophes in poetry include the following:

Apostrophe examples in literature

Examples of apostrophes from literature include the following:

Apostrophe, in poetry, is a figure of speech in which a character or speaker addresses someone who is absent.

This could be a person they know or don’t know someone who is alive or dead, or someone who never existed at all. It might also be a non-human animal, an abstracted, but personified force, or even an object. Often, this technique is used when a speaker addresses a god or group of gods.

These disparate recipients of a speaker’s 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. When writers make use of this technique it is often accompanied by escalations like “Oh!” or “Alas”.

The word “apostrophe” comes from the Greek meaning “turning back”. It was a technique used in works like Homer’s Odyssey. In these examples the narrator reasserts himself into the story, adding commentary or addressing a character, or even a god.

Purpose of Apostrophe

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. As with techniques such as personification and anthropomorphism , it helps the reader empathize with the recipient of the speaker’s words and understand it/them better.

Examples in Literature

Example #1 death be not proud by john donne.

This poem is one of nineteen sonnets included in Holy Sonnets or Divine Meditations, published after the poet’s death in 1633. Within this piece, Donne addresses “Death”. It is as a force personified. It can hear and understand the speaker. The force also has agency. Take a look at these lines and how Donne uses apostrophe to present the reader with an unusual image of death:

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

In these lines, Donne says very clearly that death is “not proud” even though some think that it is. There are many, throughout time and history, who have thought death to be “Mighty and dreadful”. It is through this work, as he continues to talk to death, that Donne explains that this is not the case.

Example #2 Ode to a Nightingale by John Keats

This is perhaps Keats’s best-known poem. It focuses on a nightingale the speaker sees, regards, and expresses his jealousy about. The creature lives a carefree life and he is inspired to do the same. With the text, he talks to the bird, around the bird, and simply to himself. Take a look at these lines from the middle of the poem:

Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown: […]

He speakers reverentially to the creature, expressing his belief that it is, or should be, immortal. It has a kind of beauty and a presence that lives forever. The passage of time and the upcoming generations will not destroy “thee”. He knows, or claims to know, that the sound of the nightingale’s voice was the same voice heard “by emperor and clown” in the “ancient days”. By addressing the bird he is able to show his dedication to it and love for it. It also increases the importance of the nightingale in the reader’s mind.

Example #3 Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

In this, Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy , there is a powerful and important use of apostrophe. It occurs towards the end of the play at the climax after Juliet has woken up from her deep sleep and found Romeo dead. Rather than go on living she decides to kill herself. Take a look at this line from the play where Juliet is speaking:

Yea, noise? Then I’ll be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.

She speaks directly the dagger she is about to kill herself with. It is “happy,” she says. This is in reference to the ironic joy it will take in her death. Juliet feels completely alone in the world and by talking to the dagger she is able to explain her intentions and direct some of her sorrow outward. She also talks to it about its parts, its “sheath” and its “rust”. These simple features become important in the face of death.

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Baldwin, Emma. "Apostrophe". Poem Analysis , https://poemanalysis.com/literary-device/apostrophe/ . Accessed 10 September 2024.

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What Is an Apostrophe? Definition & 20+ Examples

Ever wondered how we could breathe life into inanimate objects or distant concepts with language?

Welcome to the enchanting world of apostrophe in figure of speech. It’s not just a punctuation mark; it’s a powerful literary device where a speaker breaks off from addressing one party and instead addresses a third party. This party can be an inanimate object, an absent individual, or even an abstract concept.

Let’s explore this intriguing linguistic art form and discover how it illuminates human emotion in profound and unexpected ways.

Table of Contents

Apostrophe as a Figure of Speech

Definition and origin.

Apostrophe, as a figure of speech, is a fascinating and powerful rhetorical device that serves to lend expressive depth and emphasis to a speaker’s words.

This device involves a deliberate shift in the discourse, allowing a speaker or writer to address an individual, an abstract concept, an inanimate object, or even an absent or imaginary entity directly, as though it were capable of responding.

The term ‘apostrophe’ comes from the ancient Greek word ‘apostrophé’, which translates to “a turning away”. This describes the speaker’s act of diverting their discourse from the intended audience to address another, often non-present, entity.

Apostrophe should not be confused with the punctuation mark of the same name; they are different concepts despite sharing the same term.

Rhetorical Purpose

In the realm of rhetoric, apostrophe operates as a multidimensional device that can be used to create a profound impact on the audience. This figure of speech serves several purposes, with one of the most significant being its ability to evoke intense emotions within the audience.

When a speaker uses apostrophe to address an abstract idea or a non-human entity directly, they create an interactive dynamic that fosters a sense of connection between the audience and the subject matter. This conversational tone, created by a discourse directed at an entity that is not physically present or able to respond, paradoxically draws the audience in closer.

The audience becomes an active participant in the discourse as they grapple with the emotional depth and the implications of the speaker’s words.

Examples in Literature and Poetry

Apostrophe has been widely used by various writers and poets throughout the history of literature. This figure of speech can add depth and emotional resonance to their work, as well as provide a unique perspective on the themes being explored. Here are a few examples:

Shakespeare’s Works

William Shakespeare’s works provide many examples of the use of apostrophe. Here are a few:

• “Macbeth” (Act 1, Scene 5): Lady Macbeth, upon reading her husband’s letter about the witches’ prophecy, addresses an absent Macbeth:

Here, Lady Macbeth uses apostrophe to express her ambitions and desires for Macbeth’s future, even though he’s not present.

• “Romeo and Juliet” (Act 2, Scene 2): In this famous scene, Romeo addresses Juliet, who is physically present but unaware of his presence:

Though Juliet is not absent, the use of apostrophe here underlines Romeo’s feelings of love and admiration for her, as well as the distance between them.

• “Julius Caesar” (Act 3, Scene 1): Mark Antony addresses the body of the slain Julius Caesar:
• “Hamlet” (Act 1, Scene 2): Hamlet addresses his dead father in a monologue:

By addressing his father and God, Hamlet uses apostrophe to express his grief, despair, and thoughts of suicide following his father’s death.

• Sonnet 18 : In one of his most famous sonnets, Shakespeare speaks to the abstract concept of a summer’s day:

By addressing the summer’s day directly, Shakespeare uses apostrophe to highlight the beauty of the person to whom the sonnet is addressed, making a comparison with the loveliness of a summer’s day.

John Keats’ Works

John Keats, a renowned Romantic poet, often employed apostrophe in his poetry to enhance the emotional depth and lyrical beauty of his work. Here are some examples:

• “Ode to a Nightingale” : Keats addresses the nightingale directly throughout this ode:

In this piece, Keats employs apostrophe to convey his longing for the peace and oblivion that the song of the nightingale symbolizes.

• “Ode on a Grecian Urn” : This poem is an extended apostrophe where Keats addresses an ancient Greek urn:

Here, Keats uses the apostrophe to express his admiration for the timeless beauty and mystery of the urn and its depicted scenes.

• “To Autumn” : In this ode, Keats directly addresses the season of autumn:

By addressing autumn, Keats personifies the season, allowing him to express his deep appreciation for its richness and tranquility.

• “Ode to Psyche” : Keats addresses the Greek goddess Psyche:

Through this direct address, Keats elevates Psyche while also highlighting his own desire to worship and celebrate her.

John Donne’s Works

John Donne, a metaphysical poet known for his innovative and intense verse, made frequent use of the figure of speech apostrophe in his work. Here are several examples:

• “Death, be not proud” (Holy Sonnet 10) : The entire poem is an extended apostrophe, with Donne addressing Death as though it were a person:

Here, Donne defies Death’s perceived power, insisting it’s not as invincible and fearsome as it is often portrayed.

• “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning” : Donne addresses his absent beloved:

This address to his absent beloved conveys the depth of their bond, expressing a sense of unity even in separation.

• “The Sun Rising” : Donne opens this poem by chastising the sun:

By addressing the sun directly, Donne personifies it, turning it into a disruptive character that disturbs the lovers’ peace.

• “Batter my heart, three-person’d God” (Holy Sonnet 14) : Donne addresses God directly:

Donne uses apostrophe to express his fervent desire for spiritual renewal and transformation.

• “A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy’s Day” : Donne addresses the abstract concept of the ‘end of love’:

By personifying the ‘end of love’ , Donne amplifies his feelings of loss and desolation.

Addressing Absent Entities and Inanimate Objects

Apostrophe, as a figure of speech, allows a speaker or writer to address entities that are absent or inanimate as if they were present, capable of understanding, or even responding.

This rhetorical device can be used to express strong emotions, elicit particular reactions from an audience, or personify non-human entities or concepts. Here are a few points of expansion on the topic:

Abstract Ideas and Qualities

The use of apostrophe to address abstract concepts, qualities, or ideas is a powerful literary device that allows poets and writers to bring intangible elements to life, enhancing the richness and depth of their work.

Personification of Abstract Entities

When addressing abstract entities, the speaker or writer often personifies them. Personification is the attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to a non-human entity or abstraction. This can involve giving the abstract concept emotions, desires, physical sensations, or the ability to perform human actions.

The personification can make the abstract concept more relatable and tangible to the audience, and it can deepen the audience’s understanding of the speaker’s relationship with the concept.

Exploring Complex Ideas

Apostrophe allows a speaker or writer to explore complex ideas in a direct and personal manner. By addressing an abstract concept, the speaker can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the concept, and can challenge or question the concept.

The direct address can help to clarify the speaker’s views or arguments, and it can provoke thought and engagement from the audience.

Eliciting Emotional Responses

The use of apostrophe to address abstract concepts can also serve to evoke emotional responses from the audience. The speaker’s direct address to the concept can create a sense of intimacy, urgency, or drama, and the personification of the concept can trigger empathy or identification from the audience.

Furthermore, the direct address can highlight the speaker’s emotional state and can serve to amplify the emotional intensity of the work.

Aversion and Turning Away

The use of apostrophe to signify a turning away or distancing from a subject indeed presents a powerful and dramatic tool in a poet’s repertoire. It can enable the poet to communicate a variety of emotions or attitudes, including aversion, repudiation, or even a form of emotional self-protection.

Expressing Aversion or Repudiation

In some cases, a poet might use apostrophe to express their distaste, disdain, or moral objection to a particular subject. They might address the object, being, or situation directly, outlining their reasons for rejection, or they might appeal to a higher power, seeking intervention or expressing despair.

This form of apostrophe can create a sense of tension or conflict in the work, highlighting the poet’s personal struggle with the subject matter.

Creating Dramatic Effect

The act of turning away in an apostrophe can create a profound dramatic effect in poetry. The speaker’s rejection or distancing can introduce an element of tension, conflict, or emotional turmoil, adding depth and complexity to the poem.

The act of turning away can also highlight the emotional intensity or significance of the subject matter, drawing the reader’s attention and empathy.

Symbolizing Emotional Self-Protection

At times, the turning away in an apostrophe can symbolize a form of emotional self-protection. The poet may choose to distance themselves from a painful memory, a challenging situation, or a harmful entity. This distancing serves as a protective mechanism, helping to buffer the poet (or the persona they’ve adopted in the poem) from emotional harm.

Narrators and Soliloquies

The act of turning away in an apostrophe can create a profound dramatic effect in poetry. The speaker’s rejection or distancing can introduce an element of tension, conflict, or emotional turmoil, adding depth and complexity to the poem. The act of turning away can also highlight the emotional intensity or significance of the subject matter, drawing the reader’s attention and empathy.

Apostrophe in Popular Culture

The use of apostrophe is not confined to classic literature or poetry. It also makes frequent appearances in popular culture, including music, film, television, and even comic books. Here are some examples:

Movies and Television

In movies and television, the use of apostrophe as a figure of speech can be seen to add depth and emotional resonance to a scene. For example, in the movie Cast Away , Tom Hanks, who portrays a character named Chuck, is stranded on a deserted island. He uses an inanimate object, a volleyball named “Wilson,” to talk to and confide in. Through this apostrophe, Hanks’ character not only forms a bond with Wilson but also provides the audience with an insight into his emotional state and loneliness.

The use of apostrophe in music is quite common, especially in genres that tend to be heavily narrative or emotionally expressive, such as folk, country, rock, and pop music.

Songwriters often use apostrophe to address someone or something directly, thereby conveying deep emotion, establishing a conversational tone, or creating a dramatic effect. Here are a few examples:

Hello by Adele

In Adele’s song “Hello,” the entire song can be seen as an example of an apostrophe. The song is addressed to an old lover who is not present, and Adele speaks to this person as though they were in conversation.

Here, Adele is directly addressing her old lover, voicing her regrets and the desire to reconnect. Yet, the individual she is speaking to isn’t present and cannot answer her call, hence establishing a poignant apostrophe.

The apostrophe enhances the emotional intensity of the song and enables Adele to express her feelings in a deeply personal and direct manner.

Be Kind by Marshmello and Halsey

“Be Kind” is a song by Marshmello and Halsey. The song lyrics feature Halsey addressing an individual directly, and based on the song’s context, this person is not present during the song’s narration. Here are some lyrics from the song:

This is an example of apostrophe as Halsey expresses her feelings and frustrations directly to this person, though they are not physically there to respond. The use of apostrophe here helps to intensify the emotional weight of the song and provides listeners with a more profound understanding of the inner turmoil the singer is experiencing.

Mean by Taylor Swift

“Mean” is a song by Taylor Swift from her album “Speak Now.” In the song, Swift uses apostrophe to address a person who has been cruel and critical to her. Here are some lyrics from the song:

In these lines, Swift directly addresses a person who isn’t present. She vividly describes the person’s harsh words and their impact on her. This is an example of apostrophe, as she is speaking to someone who is absent, confronting them through her lyrics.

You and I by One Direction

“You and I” is a song by One Direction from their album “Midnight Memories.” Throughout the song, the band employs apostrophe as they address an absent romantic interest. Here are some lyrics from the song:

In these lines, One Direction is speaking directly to a person who is not present. They’re expressing their belief in the strength and uniqueness of their relationship, and their determination to not let anything come between them.

This is a clear example of apostrophe, as the band is directly addressing someone who is absent, expressing their feelings and hopes for the relationship.

The One That Got Away by Katy Perry

“The One That Got Away” is a song by Katy Perry from her album “Teenage Dream.” In this song, Perry uses apostrophe to address a past lover who is no longer in her life. Here are some lyrics from the song:

In these lines, Perry is speaking directly to a person who is not present, expressing regret and longing for a past relationship. This is an example of apostrophe as she is addressing someone who is absent, confronting the loss and what could have been.

Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes often use the literary device of apostrophe, addressing inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas as though they were capable of responding. This lends a sense of whimsy and delight that is characteristic of many children’s songs and poems. Here are a few examples:

• “Hey Diddle Diddle” : This nursery rhyme features a cat, a cow, and a dish all being addressed as if they were human:
• “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” : This beloved nursery rhyme features an apostrophe to a star. The speaker wonders about the star and its place in the universe:
• “Humpty Dumpty” : This rhyme features a direct address to an anthropomorphic egg, Humpty Dumpty:

In each of these examples, the use of apostrophe brings the nursery rhyme to life, creating a world where animals, objects, and celestial bodies can be interacted with as though they were human. This not only delights children but also stimulates their imagination and creativity.

Apostrophe versus Punctuation Mark

Apostrophe as a figure of speech and apostrophe as a punctuation mark are distinct concepts that serve different purposes, though they share the same name.

As discussed in the previous texts, an apostrophe as a rhetorical device is a figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent person, an inanimate object, or an abstract idea as if it were present and capable of responding.

This technique is widely used in literature, drama, music, and speeches to evoke emotion, create a connection with the audience, or add dramatic effect.

Apostrophe as a Punctuation Mark

An apostrophe as a punctuation mark (‘), on the other hand, serves a few different purposes in English grammar. It’s used to indicate possession, to form contractions, and sometimes to form plurals.

• Indicating Possession: John’s book (the book belongs to John).
• Forming Contractions: It’s raining (It is raining).
• Forming Plurals: Mind your p’s and q’s (Mind your manners).

While these two uses of ‘apostrophe’ share the same name, they are used in different contexts and serve very different purposes in communication. One is a literary and rhetorical device, and the other is a grammatical tool used in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is apostrophe considered a form of dialogue.

Not quite. Apostrophe can look like dialogue because it involves direct address, but true dialogue involves a back-and-forth between two or more characters who can respond to one another.

Because the objects or concepts addressed in an apostrophe can’t actually respond, it doesn’t create a dialogue in the true sense of the word.

Is there a particular structure or form to an apostrophe?

While there’s no rigid form or structure to an apostrophe, it generally involves the speaker or writer breaking from the ongoing narrative or dialogue to address directly someone who is not present, an inanimate object, or an abstract idea.

This sudden shift or ‘turning away’ is what characterizes an apostrophe. Sometimes these addresses start with an “O” or “Oh,” but this isn’t a necessary feature.

Can the apostrophe be addressed to oneself?

Yes, in some cases, speakers or writers might use apostrophe to address themselves, particularly a past or future version of themselves. This can serve to express internal conflict, self-reflection, or anticipation.

However, it’s important to note that while this might resemble a monologue or soliloquy, it’s still considered apostrophe because the addressed “self” is not present in the current moment to respond.

The apostrophe is a dynamic figure of speech that can add emotional resonance, dramatic flair, and a sense of immediacy to a narrative. It’s not confined to a particular genre, style, or form, making it a versatile tool in the hands of writers and speakers.

Whether it’s in the pages of a novel, the lines of a poem, the lyrics of a song, or the powerful rhetoric of a speech, the apostrophe serves to evoke deeper connections and a heightened sense of engagement for the audience. Truly, it’s a testament to the beauty and complexity of language.

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• Apostrophe Figure of Speech

What is an Apostrophe in the Figure of Speech?

An apostrophe is a literary device where a speaker addresses someone or something that is not present or cannot respond. This figure of speech is often used to express strong emotions, create a dramatic effect, or highlight the significance of the subject. For example, calling out to a beloved character who is not present or speaking to an abstract concept like love or death can make writing more expressive and impactful. Understanding how and why apostrophes are used can enhance both reading and writing skills.

What is an Apostrophe?

An apostrophe is a figure of speech where a speaker addresses someone or something that isn't present or cannot respond. This literary device is often used to express strong emotions or to create a dramatic effect in both poetry and prose. For example, if a character in a novel talks directly to a deceased friend or an abstract concept like love, they are using an apostrophe. It helps to make the writing more expressive and can add depth to the emotional tone of the piece.

Apostrophe Figure of Speech Definition and Examples

Definition:.

An apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone or something that is not present, an abstract concept, or an inanimate object as though it could understand and respond. This rhetorical device is often used to convey strong emotions or to highlight the significance of the addressed entity.

Examples of Apostrophe

Literary example:.

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet : "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Juliet addresses Romeo, even though he is not present, to express her frustration and longing.

John Donne’s Holy Sonnet 10:

"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful."

Donne speaks directly to Death, personifying it and challenging its power .

Emily Dickinson’s Because I Could Not Stop for Death:

"Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me." Dickinson addresses Death as if it were a courteous suitor who has come to escort her.

Common Usage:

"O, you cruel, fickle fate!"

Here, fate is addressed directly as though it could hear and respond to the speaker’s frustrations.

Apostrophe Figure of Speech Examples

1. william shakespeare’s macbeth.

Quote : "Out, out, brief candle!"

Explanation : Macbeth addresses a candle as though it can understand his lament about the fleeting nature of life .

2. John Milton’s Paradise Lost

Quote : "Hail holy Light , offspring of Heaven firstborn."

Explanation : Milton addresses Light as if it were a divine entity.

3. Robert Burns’ To a Mouse

Quote : "Wee, sleekit, cowering, timorous beastie."

Explanation : Burns speaks directly to a mouse, personifying it and expressing sympathy for its plight.

4. Emily Dickinson’s I felt a Funeral, in my Brain

Quote : "And then I heard them lift a Box / And creak across my Soul."

Explanation : Dickinson addresses the abstract concept of a funeral as if it were an event impacting her soul.

5. William Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper

Quote : "Come hither, little chimney-sweeper!"

Explanation : Blake addresses a young chimney sweeper as if the child could hear and respond.

6. T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Quote : "Let us go then, you and I."

Explanation : Prufrock addresses an abstract 'you,' representing his thoughts or a potential companion.

7. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind

Quote : "O Wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn's being."

Explanation : Shelley addresses the West Wind as though it were a living being.

8. Sylvia Plath’s Lady Lazarus

Quote : "Dying is an art, like everything else."

Explanation : Plath addresses death as though it were an artistic concept.

9. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Quote : "Oh, Harry, you have no idea how much I wanted to see you succeed."

Explanation : Characters in the book might address Harry directly to express their personal feelings and wishes.

10. Homer’s The Iliad

Quote : "Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus."

Explanation : Homer addresses the goddess as if she were capable of recounting the story.

11. Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven

Quote : "Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!"

Explanation : Poe addresses the raven as if it were a prophetic being.

12. James Joyce’s Ulysses

Quote : "O, my beloved city of Dublin."

Explanation : Joyce speaks to the city of Dublin as though it could understand his affection.

13. George Gordon Byron’s She Walks in Beauty

Quote : "She walks in beauty, like the night."

Explanation : Byron addresses the abstract concept of beauty, personifying it as a living entity.

14. William Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

Quote : "Ten thousand I saw at a glance."

Explanation : Wordsworth addresses the daffodils as if they were a large, attentive audience.

15. Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities

Quote : "O, what a lovely day it is!"

Explanation : Dickens addresses the day as if it could understand and respond to his sentiment.

16. Langston Hughes’ The Weary Blues

Quote : "I heard the Negro sing, 'I got a right to be free.'"

Explanation : Hughes addresses the concept of freedom as if it were a person making a claim.

17. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

Quote : "O Gatsby, how I wish I could understand you."

Explanation : The speaker addresses Gatsby directly, even though Gatsby is not present.

18. William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Quote : "O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth!"

Explanation : Mark Antony addresses Caesar’s corpse as if it could hear his plea for forgiveness.

19. John Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale

Quote : "Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!"

Explanation : Keats addresses the nightingale as if it were an immortal being.

20. W.B. Yeats’ The Second Coming

Quote : "Turning and turning in the widening gyre ."

Explanation : Yeats uses apostrophes to address the abstract concept of the gyre as if it were a living force.

Apostrophe Examples in Movies, TV Shows, and Nursery Rhymes

Here are some examples of apostrophes used in movies, TV shows, and nursery rhymes:

"The Lion King" (1994)

Quote : "Remember who you are."

Explanation : Mufasa's spirit addresses Simba directly, even though he is not physically present, urging him to remember his identity and responsibilities.

"The Wizard of Oz" (1939)

Quote : "There's no place like home."

Explanation : Dorothy speaks to her ruby slippers, addressing them as if they could help her return home.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004)

Quote : "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Explanation : The character addresses the Marauder's Map, personifying it as if it were a living entity capable of understanding and responding to their mischief.

"Friends" (Season 4, Episode 12)

Quote : "Oh, the joys of having children."

Explanation : Ross sarcastically addresses the idea of parenthood, personifying it to express his frustration.

"The Simpsons" (Season 4, Episode 6)

Quote : "Why must I always be the one who does the cleaning?"

Explanation : Marge addresses the situation as if it were a person, venting her frustration.

"How I Met Your Mother" (Season 1, Episode 9)

Quote : "Oh, Barney Stinson, you magnificent bastard."

Explanation : Ted addresses Barney directly, celebrating his friend’s audacious behaviour.

Nursery Rhymes

"twinkle, twinkle, little star".

Quote : "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are."

Explanation : The speaker addresses the star directly, marveling at its brilliance.

"Hey Diddle Diddle"

Quote : "Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle."

Explanation : The speaker addresses the cat and the fiddle as if they are part of a lively scene.

"Baa Baa Black Sheep"

Quote : "Baa baa black sheep , have you any wool?"

Explanation : The speaker directly addresses the sheep, asking it about its wool .

These examples showcase how apostrophes can be used across different media to add emphasis, emotion, and engagement.

Uses of the Apostrophe Figure of Speech

Expressing strong emotions:.

Apostrophe allows speakers to convey deep feelings such as sorrow, anger, or joy by addressing someone or something that cannot respond. This can intensify the emotional impact of the speech or text.

Creating Dramatic Effect:

By directly addressing an absent person or abstract concept, apostrophes can add a dramatic or theatrical quality to the writing, making the content more engaging and compelling.

Personifying Abstract Concepts:

The apostrophe is used to personify abstract ideas like death, love, or time . This helps to make these concepts more relatable and vivid by giving them human-like qualities.

Highlighting Themes and Ideas:

Addressing an object or idea directly can emphasise a central theme or idea in the text, drawing attention to important concepts and enhancing the overall message.

Enhancing Literary Style:

Apostrophe contributes to a writer's style by adding a layer of rhetorical sophistication. It can enrich the text with more expressive and imaginative language.

Invoking Reflection and Contemplation:

By addressing a non-present entity, the apostrophe can encourage readers or listeners to reflect on the addressed subject and its relevance to the speaker's or writer’s situation.

Engaging the Audience:

An apostrophe can create a connection between the speaker or writer and the audience by directly addressing them or invoking their imagination, making the content more engaging.

Adding Emphasis:

Using apostrophes to address an inanimate object or abstract idea can emphasise the significance of that element in the context of the narrative or argument.

Conveying Internal Conflict:

Addressing an absent or imagined entity can reveal the speaker’s internal struggles or conflicts, providing insight into their thoughts and feelings.

Creating a Sense of Intimacy:

The apostrophe can make the speech or text feel more personal and intimate by directly addressing someone or something as if it were present and capable of responding.

Key Points to Remember about Apostrophe Figure of Speech

Here are the key points to remember about the apostrophe figure of speech:

Direct Address : Apostrophe involves addressing someone or something that is not present or cannot respond, such as an abstract concept, an inanimate object, or a deceased person.

Emotional Impact : It is often used to express strong emotions, including sorrow, anger, or joy, by speaking directly to the absent entity as if it were present.

Dramatic Effect : This figure of speech can add a dramatic quality to writing or speech, making it more engaging and impactful.

Personification : Apostrophe frequently involves personifying abstract concepts or objects, attributing them with human qualities to make them more relatable.

Literary and Rhetorical Use : It is commonly used in poetry, prose, and speeches to highlight themes, enhance style, and create a personal connection with the audience.

Reflection and Contemplation : By addressing an absent or imaginary entity, the apostrophe can encourage reflection on the subject and its significance to the speaker’s or writer’s situation.

Enhanced Emphasis : This figure of speech helps emphasise important themes or ideas by giving direct attention to the addressed entity.

Intimacy and Engagement : Apostrophe can make the content feel more intimate and engaging by directly addressing the audience or an imagined entity.

Test Your Understanding of Apostrophe Figure of Speech

Question 1: Which of the following sentences correctly uses the apostrophe figure of speech?

a) "Oh, Time, you swift and relentless force."

b) "She walked into the room silently."

c) "The sun sets in the west."

d) "Water is essential for life."

Question 2: Identify the apostrophe in the following sentence: "O Death, where is thy sting?"

Question 3: Which of the following lines from a poem is an example of apostrophe?

a) "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep."

b) "Twinkle, twinkle, little star."

c) "She sells seashells by the seashore."

d) "To be or not to be, that is the question."

Question 4: Which sentence is NOT an example of apostrophe?

a) "O Freedom, how we cherish thee."

b) "Come, let us reason together."

c) "You foolish heart , why do you falter?"

d) "The stars shine brightly tonight."

Find Out if You Got Them All Right from the Answers Below

Question 1: Correct Answer: a) "Oh, Time, you swift and relentless force."

Question 2: Correct Answer: a) Death

Question 3: Correct Answer: b) "Twinkle, twinkle, little star."

Question 4: Correct Answer: d) "The stars shine brightly tonight."

FAQs on Apostrophe Figure of Speech

1. What is an apostrophe in the figure of speech?

An apostrophe in the figure of speech is a rhetorical device where the speaker addresses a person who is absent or imaginary, or an abstract concept, as if it were present and capable of responding.

2. Can you explain the apostrophe figure of speech with examples?

Certainly! The apostrophe is used to directly address something not physically present. For example, "O Death, where is thy sting?" and "Oh, Time, you swift and relentless force."

3. What is the apostrophe figure of speech definition and examples?

The apostrophe figure of speech is a literary device in which a speaker directly addresses an absent person, a personified object, or an abstract idea. Examples include "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!" and "O Freedom, how we cherish thee!"

4. How does the apostrophe figure of speech differ from personification?

While both involve addressing non-human elements, the apostrophe figure of speech specifically involves addressing something absent, imaginary, or abstract as if it were present, whereas personification gives human traits to non-human entities.

5. Why do writers use the apostrophe figure of speech?

Writers use the apostrophe figure of speech to convey strong emotions or thoughts directly to the subject, often to create a dramatic or reflective effect in the text.

6. Can you provide some common apostrophe figure of speech examples?

Yes, common examples include "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" and "Oh, Time, you thief!"

7. What is the purpose of the apostrophe in the figure of speech?

The purpose of the apostrophe in the figure of speech is to express intense emotions or to make the audience feel as if they are part of a conversation with something abstract or absent.

8. How is the apostrophe figure of speech used in poetry?

In poetry, the apostrophe figure of speech is often used to address an absent or imaginary person, an object, or an abstract concept. For example, "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman.

9. What is the difference between an apostrophe and other figures of speech?

An apostrophe specifically involves addressing something that is not physically present, while other figures of speech may involve comparisons, exaggerations, or giving human traits to non-human things.

10. How can students identify an apostrophe in the figure of speech?

Students can identify an apostrophe in the figure of speech by looking for instances where the speaker is addressing someone or something that is not present, such as "Oh, love, why do you torment me?"

11. What are some famous literary examples of the apostrophe figure of speech?

Famous examples include "O Death, where is thy sting?" from the Bible and "O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn's being," from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ode to the West Wind."

12. Why is the apostrophe figure of speech important in literature?

The apostrophe figure of speech is important in literature because it allows writers to convey deep emotions, create a dramatic effect, and engage the audience by addressing abstract concepts or absent entities directly.

Apostrophe in Literature

In literature, apostrophe is known to be a figure of speech . A writer or the literary speaker who uses apostrophe is directly speaking to someone who is either not physically present, to someone who is dead, or to an inanimate object. So the next time you talk to your phone like it’s your most treasured possession, guess what, you’re using a figure of speech.

Generally speaking, apostrophe and other figures of speech are what we call literary devices. To further explain, the literary devices are techniques that a writer uses to produce a special effect in their  general writing . When you read a novel or a poem and the writer starts talking directly to abstract concepts like love, death, or hope as if they are standing right in front of them, if you do not know, you are seeing a speech example of an apostrophe. To know more, you may look at these apostrophe samples first.

What is Apostrophe in Literature?

Examples of apostrophe in literature.

• O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” – William Shakespeare
• “Death, be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful.” – John Donne
• “O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done.” – Walt Whitman
• “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.” – Jane Taylor
• “O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth.” – William Shakespeare
• “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” – William Shakespeare
• “O cunning Love! with tears thou keep’st me blind.” – William Shakespeare
• “Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean—roll!” – Lord Byron
• “O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.” – William Shakespeare
• “O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
• “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!” – William Shakespeare
• “O, how bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man’s eyes!” – William Shakespeare
• “Milton! Thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee.” – William Wordsworth
• “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!” – William Shakespeare
• “O cruel, irreligious piety!” – John Milton
• “O Solitude! If I must with thee dwell.” – John Keats
• “O, for a draught of vintage! that hath been cool’d a long age in the deep-delved earth.” – John Keats
• “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” – William Shakespeare
• “O God! O God!” – William Shakespeare
• “Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art.” – John Keats

Basic Apostrophe Guide Example

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Apostrophe as Literary Technique Guide Example

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Simple Apostrophe Guide Example

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The Etymology of the Word Apostrophe

The word apostrophe comes from the Greek word “ apostrophé” which means “turning back” which is a common term in Greek literary drama and works such as in Homer’s  Odyssey.  However, in that novel’s case, the apostrophe was used to refer to times when a rather impersonal narrator intrudes in the storyline to provide additional information or some sort of commentary. You may also see alliteration examples in literature .

This simple writing technique is ubiquitous in old pieces of literature, and even in the literature of the nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. The apostrophe is used back then in cases where the writer uses an omniscient third-person point of view in his writing. The technique can be seen in most plays, but it can also be observed in a few poetry and prose pieces.

Apostrophe as a Literary Device and as a Punctuation Mark

Although they hold the same name, they play very different roles. Apostrophe as a punctuation mark that is used in contractions which refers to the process of omitting letters and sounds in a syllable, word or phrase. A few examples of these contracted terms include “I am” to “I’m,” “we have” to “we’ve,” or “do not” to “don’t.” On the other hand, the apostrophe can also pertain to a literary device. As mentioned earlier, this refers to a fictional character’s reference to an addressee who is not physically present in the scene. You may also check out meiosis examples .

Common Examples of Apostrophe

Apostrophe and figures of speech—hearing these words per discussed by your teacher or shared by your friend could be intimidating, leaving you with an impression that these terms are too fancy and poetic for your day-to-day interaction. However, apostrophes are actually used often more than you may have originally thought. You might also be interested in  onomatopoeia examples in literature .

If you still don’t believe that apostrophe is a usual part of your daily communication, there are various evident scenarios that would help you realize. First, remember those times you complained to your car when it refuses to start or those moments you begged to it to work long enough to take you to your office, the apostrophe was there. Also, when you shouted at your computer when it acts like a turtle, the apostrophe was also there.

Assuming that you are asked to cite some examples of an apostrophe, it could be very difficult for you to distinguish one. However, reflecting on your daily life and those absurdly weird moments when we talk or yell at things for some sort of reasons could make that task easy. To give you a broader overview, here are some of the most common apostrophes we utter without even realizing just how poetic we are being:

• “Oh, coffee, my sweet dark coffee. What would I do without you?”
• “Please, please clouds. Don’t rain today.”
• “Let Hades come to me and swallow me whole.”
• “Why do you have to be such a pain, math?”
• “Shoes, my beautiful new shoes. You’ll look great with my black plaid skirt.”

Take another look at these examples. They seem normal to us, right? Of course, we’d talk to our coffee. It’s every morning’s lifesaver. Of course, we’d beg the clouds to not rain. Who else are we going to talk to about it? And what’s wrong with asking math why it’s being so difficult, right? You may also check out irony examples for kids .

But if you really think about it, all of the subjects of these so-called normal statements are all inanimate. (Well, Hades is technically alive, but he is also, technically, not real, so he doesn’t count.) How normal is it to talk to things that don’t even have life, much less a mouth, to hear us, comprehend us, and respond to us? Apparently, very much so. You might be interested in balanced sentences usage and examples .

Apostrophe in Literature Guide Example

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Apostrophe in Poetry Guide Example

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Creative Apostrophe Guide Example

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Importance of Apostrophe in Literature

The Greeks who basically invented everything we now appreciate in this world (literature, art, and architecture, to name a few), used apostrophe as a part of the storytelling technique they used for their drama. And if the real founding fathers thought it necessary to incorporate apostrophe into their local theaters, then it must be a necessary element. You may also see antiphrasis examples .

Apostrophe gives the storyteller the chance to switch gears, to add his own commentary, and to simply state his feelings that have been awakened by inanimate or abstract concepts. Often, general statements and lines with apostrophes begin with the exclamatory sound “O,” which is used to signify a change in the addressee.

If 2 seconds ago, you were addressing Romeo, you can easily begin your next statement with “O” to tell your audience that you are no longer talking  to  Romeo but to somebody else, nobody can see. Death, for example. Such as in this famous scene in the classic play  Romeo and Juliet  by the literary master William Shakespeare. You may also like examples of assonance .

JULIET: Yea,  noise? Then I’ll be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; their rust, and let me die. 

These were the words that Juliet uttered when she awoke to Romeo’s dead body lying beside her. In this great example of the use of an apostrophe, we can see how Juliet talks to the dagger before she uses it to kill herself.

This dramatic scene is a symbol of Juliet’s incapability to talk to her lover who has just passed. So, to mark her final moment, she chooses to talk to an inanimate object because saying her goodbyes to Romeo is no longer possible. You may also check out examples of an oxymoron in sentences .

By addressing a person who is not present or an inanimate object who cannot feel or express emotions, a character can show his present state instead. We knew Juliet was suffering because of Romeo’s death. But we felt it more vividly when she started expressing her grief by talking to the dagger she would later use to take her own life. You might be interested in examples of sarcasm .

Apostrophe Importance Guide Example

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Apostrophe as Figure of Speech Guide Example

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Common Apostrophe Examples Guide

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Apostrophe Examples in Poems

An apostrophe is a figurative language that can be used to make a simple expression more creative. Hence, it is natural to see them in poems. Talking about that, here are some examples of poems that encompasses apostrophe.

Famous Poem Lines with Apostrophe Examples

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Apostrophe in Poem Guidelines Example

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Apostrophe: Lyric of Turning Away Example

Enhancing Apostrophe Poem Examples

Minimalist Apostrophe Poem Examples

Plain Apostrophe Guide

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Downloadable Apostrophe Guide Example

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Figurative Language: Apostrophe Worksheet Example

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Printable Apostrophe Example

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Basic Apostrophe Example

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Sample Apostrophe Example

Apostrophe Tip Sheet

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Apostrophe in PDF

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Simple Apostrophe Example

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Professional Apostrophe Example

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Formal Apostrophe Example

Apostrophe Template

How to Use Apostrophe in Literature

Using apostrophe in literature involves directly addressing an absent or imaginary person, an inanimate object, or an abstract idea as if it could respond

Choose Your Subject

Decide on what or whom you want to address. It could be an abstract idea like love or death, an inanimate object like the moon or a sword, or a person who is not present.

Create a Direct Addres

Write a line where the speaker talks directly to the chosen subject. Use “O” or “Oh” to start, though it’s not always necessary.

Express Strong Emotion

Use the apostrophe to convey strong emotions such as longing, admiration, anger, or despair. This helps to create a dramatic effect.

Personify the Subject

Treat the subject as if it has human qualities or the ability to respond. This personification can make your writing more vivid and engaging.

Tips for Using Apostrophe in Literature

• Use Vivid Imagery: Paint a clear picture with descriptive language.
• Express Strong Emotions: Convey intense feelings like longing, admiration, or despair.
• Personify the Subject: Give human traits to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.
• Ensure Contextual Relevance: Fit the apostrophe naturally within your work.
• Incorporate Rhetorical Questions: Use questions to engage readers and add depth.
• Utilize Repetition: Repeat key phrases for emphasis and rhythm.
• Maintain Consistency: Keep the tone and style uniform throughout your piece.
• Experiment with Placement: Try different positions within your work for the apostrophe.
• Blend with Other Devices: Combine apostrophe with metaphors, similes, or alliteration.
• Create Emotional Impact: Use apostrophe to heighten drama and connect with the reader’s emotions.

What is an Example of an Apostrophe in Literature?

An example is “O Death, where is thy sting?” from the Bible, addressing death as if it can hear and respond.

Why Do Authors Use Apostrophes in Literature?

Authors use apostrophes to convey strong emotions, address abstract concepts, and create dramatic or emotional effects in their writing.

How Is Apostrophe Used in Poetry?

In poetry, apostrophes address absent or imaginary entities, imbuing them with human traits to evoke emotion and enhance imagery.

How Do You Identify an Apostrophe in Literature?

Identify an apostrophe by looking for direct addresses to absent, imaginary, or non-human entities, often starting with “O” or “Oh.”

Is the Apostrophe Common in Academic Writing?

Apostrophes are rare in academic writing, which typically favors straightforward, formal language over dramatic or emotional expressions

What are some famous examples of apostrophes in literature?

Examples include “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” by Shakespeare and “O Death, where is thy sting?” from the Bible.

Is the use of apostrophe limited to poetry?

No, apostrophes are found in poetry, drama, and prose. They are versatile and can be used in various forms of writing to convey emotion and dramatize the narrative.

How does an apostrophe differ from personification?

An apostrophe directly addresses an absent or non-human entity, while personification attributes human qualities to non-human things without necessarily addressing them directly.

Are apostrophes common in modern literature?

Apostrophes are less common in modern literature compared to classic works, but they are still used to add emotional depth and dramatic flair.

How does an apostrophe enhance a literary work?

Apostrophes enhance literary works by providing a means to express intense emotions, creating a direct connection between the speaker and the addressed entity, and adding dramatic intensity.

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Figure of Speech

Figure of Speech Definition

What is a figure of speech? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

A figure of speech is a literary device in which language is used in an unusual—or "figured"—way in order to produce a stylistic effect. Figures of speech can be broken into two main groups: figures of speech that play with the ordinary meaning of words (such as metaphor , simile , and hyperbole ), and figures of speech that play with the ordinary arrangement or pattern in which words are written (such as alliteration , ellipsis , and antithesis ).

Some additional key details about figures of speech:

• The ancient Greeks and Romans exhaustively listed, defined, and categorized figures of speech in order to better understand how to effectively use language. The names of most figures of speech derive from the original Greek or Latin.
• Figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words are called tropes , while figures of speech that play with the order or pattern of words are called schemes .
• Figures of speech can take many forms. A figure of speech can involve a single word, a phrase, an omission of a word or phrase, a repetition of words or sounds, or specific sentence structures.

Figure of Speech Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce figure of speech: fig -yer of speech

Figures of Speech vs. Figurative Language

There's a lot of confusion about the difference between the terms "figures of speech" and " figurative language ." Most of the confusion stems from the fact that different people often use "figurative language" to mean slightly different things. The two most common (and most acceptable) definitions of figurative language are:

• Figurative language refers to any language that contains figures of speech. According to this definition, figurative language and figures of speech are not quite the same thing, but it's pretty darn close. The only difference is that figures of speech refer to each specific type of a figure of speech, while figurative language refers more generally to any language that contains any kind of figures of speech.
• Figurative language refers to words or expressions that have non-literal meanings : This definition associates figurative language only with the category of figures of speech called tropes (which are figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words). So according to this definition, figurative language would be any language that contains tropes, but not language that contains the figures of speech called schemes.

You might encounter people using figurative speech to mean either of the above, and it's not really possible to say which is correct. But if you know about these two different ways of relating figurative language and figures of speech, you'll be in pretty good shape.

Figures of Speech, Tropes, and Schemes

The oldest and still most common way to organize figures of speech is to split them into two main groups: tropes and schemes.

• Tropes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the expected and literal meaning of words.
• Schemes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the typical mechanics of a sentence, such as the order, pattern, or arrangement of words.

The scheme/trope classification system is by no means the only way to organize figures of speech (if you're interested, you can find all sorts of different categorization methods for figures of speech here ). But it is the most common method, and is both simple and structured enough to help you understand figures of speech.

Generally, a trope uses comparison, association, or wordplay to play with the literal meaning of words or to layer another meaning on top of a word's literal meaning. Some of the most commonly used tropes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Metaphor : A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing, even though this isn't literally true. For example, if someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," this obviously doesn't literally mean what it says—it's a metaphor that makes a comparison between the weight of "cats and dogs" and heavy rain. Metaphors are tropes because their effect relies not on the mechanics of the sentence, but rather on the association created by the use of the phrase "cats and dogs" in a non-literal manner.
• Simile : A simile, like a metaphor, makes a comparison between two unrelated things. However, instead of stating that one thing is another thing (as in metaphor), a simile states that one thing is like another thing. To stick with cats and dogs, an example of a simile would be to say "they fought like cats and dogs."
• Oxymoron : An oxymoron pairs contradictory words in order to express new or complex meanings. In the phrase "parting is such sweet sorrow" from Romeo and Juliet , "sweet sorrow" is an oxymoron that captures the complex and simultaneous feelings of pain and pleasure associated with passionate love. Oxymorons are tropes because their effect comes from a combination of the two words that goes beyond the literal meanings of those words.
• Hyperbole : A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration of the truth, used to emphasize the importance of something or to create a comic effect. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a backpack "weighs a ton." No backpack literally weighs a ton, but to say "my backpack weighs ten pounds" doesn't effectively communicate how burdensome a heavy backpack feels. Once again, this is a trope because its effect comes from understanding that the words mean something different from what they literally say.

Other Common Tropes

• Antanaclasis
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Periphrasis
• Rhetorical Question

Schemes are mechanical—they're figures of speech that tinker with words, sounds, and structures (as opposed to meanings) in order to achieve an effect. Schemes can themselves be broken down in helpful ways that define the sort of tinkering they employ.

• Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or even sounds in a particular way.
• Omission: Leaving out certain words or punctuation that would normally be expected.
• Changes of word order: Shifting around words or phrases in atypical ways.
• Balance: Creating sentences or phrases with equal parts, often through the use of identical grammatical structures.

Some of the most commonly used schemes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Alliteration : In alliteration, the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “ B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.” Alliteration uses repetition to create a musical effect that helps phrases to stand out from the language around them.
• Assonance : A scheme in which vowel sounds repeat in nearby words, such as the "ee" sound in the proverb: "the squ ea ky wh ee l gets the gr ea se." Like alliteration, assonance uses repeated sounds to create a musical effect in which words echo one another—it's a scheme because this effect is achieved through repetition of words with certain sounds, not by playing with the meaning of words.
• Ellipsis : The deliberate omission of one or more words from a sentence because their meaning is already implied. In the example, "Should I call you, or you me?" the second clause uses ellipsis. While its implication is "or should you call me," the context of the sentence allows for the omission of "should" and "call." Ellipsis is a scheme because it involves an uncommon usage of language.
• Parallelism : The repetition of sentence structure for emphasis and balance. This can occur in a single sentence, such as "a penny saved is a penny earned," and it can also occur over the course of a speech, poem, or other text. Parallelism is a scheme because it creates emphasis through the mechanics of sentence structure, rather than by playing with the actual meanings of words.

Other Common Schemes

• Anadiplosis
• Antimetabole
• Brachylogia
• Epanalepsis
• Parenthesis
• Polysyndeton

Figure of Speech Examples

Figures of speech can make language more inventive, more beautiful, more rhythmic, more memorable, and more meaningful. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that figures of speech are plentiful in all sorts of written language. The examples below show a variety of different types of figures of speech. You can see many more examples of each type at their own specific LitChart entries.

Figures of Speech Examples in Literature

Literature is riddled with figures of speech because figures of speech make language colorful and complex.

Metaphor in Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca

On and on, now east now west, wound the poor thread that once had been our drive. Sometimes I thought it lost, but it appeared again, beneath a fallen tree perhaps, or struggling on the other side of a muddied ditch created by the winter rains.

In this quote from Rebecca , Daphne du Maurier refers to a washed-out road as "the poor thread." This is a metaphor —and a trope—because the writer indirectly compares the thread to the road and expects that readers will understand that "thread" is not used literally.

Parallelism in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.

In the famous opening line of A Tale of Two Cities , Dickens uses parallelism —a scheme in which parts of a sentence repeat—in order to emphasize the contradictions of the time in which the book is set. Dickens has manipulated his sentence structure so that the parallel clauses emphasize the oppositional nature of his words ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). The figure of speech doesn't play with the meaning of words, it emphasizes them through structure and repetition, which is why it is a scheme.

Alliteration in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark"

In this manner, s electing it as the s ymbol of his wife's liability to s in, s orrow, d ecay, and d eath, Aylmer's s ombre imagination was not long in rendering the birthmark a frightful object, causing him more trouble and horror than ever Georgiana's beauty, whether of s oul or s ense, had given him delight.

This passage from " The Birthmark " uses alliteration to tie together all of the things that Georgiana's birthmark is supposed to symbolize. By using words that alliterate—"sin and sorrow" and "decay and death," for example—Hawthorne is making the reader feel that these ideas are connected, rather than simply stating that they are connected. Alliteration is a figure of speech—a scheme—because it uses the mechanics of language to emphasize meaning.

Verbal Irony in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

For Brutus is an honorable man; So are they all, all honorable men,

This quote from Julius Caesar comes from Marc Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral. Antony needs to hold Brutus and his conspirators accountable for Caesar's death without contradicting the crowd's positive impression of Brutus, so Antony uses verbal irony to simultaneously please and trouble the crowd. On the surface, Antony says what the audience wants to hear (that Brutus is honorable), but it becomes clear over the course of his speech that he means the opposite of what he says (and over time he convinces the audience to believe this opposite meaning as well). This is a figure of speech (a trope) because it's based on a play on the meaning of Antony's words.

Figures of Speech Examples in Music

Figures of speech are also common in music. Schemes fit naturally with songs because both schemes and songs manipulate sound and rhythm to enhance the meanings of words. Music also uses many tropes, because using words that have meanings beyond their literal ones makes language more interesting, and it allows songwriters to create music that uses just a few words to imply a complex meaning.

Assonance and Metaphor in Rihanna's "Diamonds"

So sh ine br igh t ton igh t, you and I We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y Eye to eye , so al i ve We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y

Rihanna uses assonance when she repeats the " eye " sound throughout the chorus of "Diamonds." This make the words echo one another, which emphasizes the similarity between the singer, the person she's talking about, and the "diamonds in the sky" to which she's comparing them both. Assonance is a scheme because it's using the sound of words—not their meaning—to draw a parallel between different things.

Rihanna also uses the phrase "Diamonds in the sky" as a metaphor for stars. This is a trope—a phrase that means something other than what it literally says—as Rihanna obviously doesn't think that there are actually diamonds in the sky. This verse is a good example of how figures of speech can often work together and overlap. In this case, the metaphor that allows her to use "diamonds" instead of "stars" also fits into her use of assonance (because "stars" lacks the "eye" sound).

Personification in Green Day's "Good Riddance"

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

While the first line of this song uses "a fork stuck in the road" as a metaphor for a choice, the more arresting figure of speech at work here is the personification of time in the second line. By giving "time" human characteristics—the ability to grab a person and tell them where to go—Green Day is helping listeners to make sense of the power that time has over people. This is a trope because the line doesn't mean what it literally says; instead, it's asking listeners to make a comparison between the characteristics of time and the characteristics of a person.

Anastrophe in Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"

Straight up racist that sucker was Simple and plain

In the line "Straight up racist that sucker was," Public Enemy uses anastrophe (which is the inversion of typical word order) to preserve the rhythm of the verse. Instead of saying "That sucker was straight up racist," Public Enemy chooses an odd phrasing that has one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables— " ra cist that su cker was/ Sim ple and plain ." This way, the beat falls more regularly across those two lines, which allows the rapper to make his point (that Elvis was racist) without the flow sounding awkward. Since anastrophe manipulates the order of words in order to achieve a rhythmic effect, it's a scheme.

Why Do Writers Use Figures of Speech?

Figures of speech is a category that encompasses a broad variety of literary terms, so it's difficult to give one answer to this question. Writers use different figures of speech to achieve different effects.

Schemes (figures of speech that manipulate sound, syntax, and word order) can make language more beautiful, persuasive, or memorable. Writers can use schemes to draw attention to an important passage, to create a sound that mirrors (or contrasts with) the meaning of words, or to give language a rhythm that draws the reader in. As schemes tend to work through sound and rhythm, they generally produce a visceral effect, or an effect felt in the body—broadly speaking, schemes are more sensory than intellectual.

In contrast, writers use tropes to grab the reader intellectually by adding complexity or ambiguity to an otherwise simple word or phrase. Tropes can ask the reader to make a comparison between two unlike things, they can impose human qualities on nonhumans, and they can mean the opposite of what they say. Tropes engage the intellect because the reader has to be alert to the fact that tropes do not use language at face value—a trope never means what it literally says.

All figures of speech help a writer to communicate ideas that are difficult to say in words or that are more effectively communicated non-verbally. This could be by repeating harsh consonants to create a scary atmosphere, or by using a metaphor to impose the qualities of something concrete (say, a rose) onto something more difficult to define (say, love). In general, figures of speech attempt to bring out a reader's emotion and to capture their attention by making language more colorful, surprising, and complex.

Other Helpful Figure of Speech Resources

• Silva Rhetoricae on Figures of Speech : An excellent reference from BYU that explains the various ways that figures of speech have been categorized over history, including into schemes and tropes.
• Silva Rhetoricae on schemes and tropes :
• The Oxford Reference Page for Figure of Speech : A helpful definition of figures of speech in the context of the ancient study of rhetoric (did you know that the Roman rhetorician Quintillian defined "figure of speech" in 95 AD?)
• What Are Tropes in Language? Skip to the "Distinction Between Figures and Tropes" section and read to the end—full of informative and thought-provoking discussion about tropes.
• A YouTube video about tropes and schemes with pop culture examples.

• Alliteration
• Climax (Figure of Speech)
• Figurative Language
• Parallelism
• Verbal Irony
• Anachronism
• Slant Rhyme
• Deus Ex Machina
• Red Herring
• Rhyme Scheme
• Characterization
• Static Character

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Apostrophe - Definition, Functions, Rules, Uses & Examples

Learning grammar is my sister’s favourite thing to do. Are you someone who enjoys learning grammar too? Well, even if you aren’t, here’s something you will have fun learning. Punctuation marks determine the clarity of your writing. In order to be able to convey your thoughts to your audience in a way that you want them to perceive and understand, it is important that you use the right punctuation marks in the right places. In this article, you will learn what an apostrophe is, how it functions and the different ways in which it can be used in the English language . Furthermore, you can analyse the examples given in the article for an in-depth understanding of the same.

Table of Contents

What is an apostrophe – meaning and definition, how to use an apostrophe – rules and points to remember, use of an apostrophe to show possession, use of an apostrophe to form contractions, use of an apostrophe to indicate missing letters and numbers, use of apostrophe with compound nouns or hyphenated nouns to show possession, use of apostrophes in literature, common verb contractions for everyday use, check your understanding of the usage of apostrophe, frequently asked questions on the usage of apostrophe.

An apostrophe is a punctuation mark that is mainly used to show possession or ownership of something or someone. It can also be used to form contractions and to indicate missing letters and numbers. It is indicated by the symbol ’ . According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, an apostrophe is defined as the mark ( ’ ) used to show that one or more letters or numbers have been left out, as in she’s for she is and ’63 for 1963.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines an apostrophe as “the symbol ’ used in writing to show when a letter or a number has been left out, as in I’m (= I am) or ’85 (= 1985), or that is used before or after s to show possession, as in Helen’s house or babies’ hands”.

An apostrophe, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is defined as “a mark ‘ used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive case (as in “John’s book”), or the plural of letters or figures (as in ‘the 1960’s’)”. The Collins Dictionary defines an apostrophe as “the mark ‘ when it is written to indicate that one or more letters have been left out of a word, as in ‘isn’t’ and ‘we’ll’. It is also added to nouns to form possessives, as in ‘Mike’s car’.”

An apostrophe can be said to be multi-functional. The primary function of an apostrophe is to indicate the ownership of some object or some person by another. Other functions include indicating the plural form of letters and numbers; denoting a missing number or letter and also to form contractions.

There are just a few points you need to keep in mind when using an apostrophe to perform the various functions. Take a look at the following points to learn what they are.

• The apostrophe, when used to show possession or ownership, should be placed just immediately after the noun or pronoun which is the owner of the mentioned object or person, followed by an ‘s’.
• If the noun or pronoun already has ‘s’ as its last letter, the apostrophe comes after the letter ‘s’. Also, in this case, you need not add another ‘s’ after the apostrophe as it is already understood.
• Another rule of using the apostrophe to show possession is that you should add an apostrophe and an ‘s’ only to the second word in a hyphenated compound word .
• Also, if two or more nouns show separate ownership, you can use apostrophes for both the nouns. On the other hand, if both the nouns or pronouns own the same thing, use an apostrophe and an ‘s’ at the end of the latter noun or pronoun.
• When using an apostrophe to indicate a missing letter or a number, the apostrophe is placed exactly in the space where the letter is missing. Also, remember that even if more than one letter or number is missing, you should add only one apostrophe and not as many apostrophes as the missing numbers or letters.
• An apostrophe can be used to form contractions like can’t, I’m, don’t , etc. In these contractions too, the apostrophe is placed in between the letters where the letters are missing.

Examples of Words and Sentences Using an Apostrophe

Apostrophes can be seen to perform different functions. Take a look at the examples given below and analyse how an apostrophe performs its various functions.

• Everyone keeps telling me that I am my mom’s daughter in every way.
• Rincy’s dog went missing yesterday.
• Did you find his bike’s keys ?
• Susan’s father got a job in the United Arab Emirates.
• Are you the teacher’s pet ?
• Don’t you think you can finish it by next week?
• They weren’t at the hotel.
• I’m willing to help you out with your project if you wish.
• Shouldn’t they be here by now?
• She kept saying that it wasn’t her fault.
• We did it a li’l differently.
• She was definitely o’er the top when the results were announced.
• The kids of the ‘90s are different from every other generation.
• From ‘89 – ‘93 , I was studying in Delhi.
• I could not make it to the event ‘cause I was not keeping well.
• My mother-in-law’s brother came home today.
• The fifteen-year-old’s parents were asked to meet the Principal.
• Yesterday was my great-grandfather’s 100th birthday.
• Everybody loved my great-grandmother’s recipe of chocolate brownies.
• My would-be’s plan to come meet me changed because of the rains.

William Wordsworth, in his poem, ‘Daffodils’ , uses an apostrophe in the word o’er to denote the missing letter ‘v’.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o’er vales and hills,”

William Shakespeare, in his famous play, uses the apostrophe to show possession by referring to Brutus as ‘Caesar’s angel’.

“For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel:”

We do not often realise that we use a lot of contractions in everyday language. Even in our written language, we use a lot of verb contractions. Check out the table given below for the most commonly used contractions in everyday conversation.

Go through the following sentences and use an apostrophe wherever necessary.

1. Tinas sister is a doctor.

2. All the 1s move to the right and all the 2s move to the left.

3. It felt as if we were flying oer the rainbow.

4. Cant you try it out once more?

5. They didnt appreciate the help.

6. How do you decide if you want to read a book or not? By the books cover or title?

7. The number 13s influence on my life is unlike what people usually say.

8. My moms face was glowing from the happiness within her heart.

9. The final teams performance moved my heart.

10. It was nobodys fault that the tap broke.

Check out if you used the apostrophe in the right places from the sentences given below.

1. Tina’s sister is a doctor.

3. It felt as if we were flying o’er the rainbow.

4. Can’t you try it out once more?

5. They didn’t appreciate the help.

6. How do you decide if you want to read a book or not? By the book’s cover or title?

7. The number 13’s influence on my life is unlike what people usually say.

8. My mom’s face was glowing from the happiness within her heart.

9. The final team’s performance moved my heart.

10. It was nobody’s fault that the tap broke.

What is an apostrophe?

An apostrophe is a punctuation mark that is mainly used to show possession or ownership of something or someone. It can also be used to form contractions and to indicate missing letters and numbers. It is indicated by the symbol ’.

What is the definition of an apostrophe?

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, an apostrophe is defined as the mark ( ’ ) used to show that one or more letters or numbers have been left out, as in she’s for she is and ’63 for 1963.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines an apostrophe as “the symbol ’ used in writing to show when a letter or a number has been left out, as in I’m (= I am) or ’85 (= 1985), or that is used before or after s to show possession, as in Helen’s house or babies’ hands”.

Give some examples of the usage of apostrophes.

Here are a few examples to show you how an apostrophe can be used.

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Figure of Speech

Definition of figure of speech.

you fit into me like a hook into an eye a fish hook an open eye

Types of Figures of Speech

The term  figure of speech covers a wide range of literary devices, techniques, and other forms of figurative language, a few of which include:

Common Examples of Figures of Speech Used in Conversation

Understatement.

Understatement is a figure of speech that invokes less emotion than would be expected in reaction to something. This downplaying of reaction is a surprise for the reader and generally has the effect of showing irony .

A pun is a figure of speech that contains a “ play ” on words, such as using words that mean one thing to mean something else or words that sound alike in as a means of changing meaning.

Common Examples of Figure of Speech in Writing

Euphemism is a figure of speech that refers to figurative language designed to replace words or phrases that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant.

Personification

Writing figure of speech.

Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating figures of speech into their work:

Figure of Speech as Artistic Use of Language

Figure of speech as entertainment for reader, figure of speech as memorable experience for reader, examples of figure of speech in literature, example 1:  the great gatsby  (f. scott fitzgerald).

In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.

Example 2:  One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

Both described at the same time how it was always March there and always Monday, and then they understood that José Arcadio Buendía was not as crazy as the family said, but that he was the only one who had enough lucidity to sense the truth of the fact that time also stumbled and had accidents and could therefore splinter and leave an eternalized fragment in a room.

In this passage, Garcia Marquez utilizes personification as a figure of speech. Time is personified as an entity that “stumbled” and “had accidents.” This is an effective use of figurative language in that this personification of time indicates a level of human frailty that is rarely associated with something so measured. In addition, this is effective in the novel as a figure of speech because time has a great deal of influence on the plot and characters of the story. Personified in this way, the meaning of time in the novel is enhanced to the point that it is a character in and of itself.

Example 3:  Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

A book is a loaded gun in the house next door…Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?

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Apostrophe Examples and Worksheets

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Table of Contents

Punctuation mark vs. literary device

Apostrophe can be either a punctuation mark or a literary device. As a punctuation mark, it signifies elision and is used when letters or words are contracted and sounds are omitted or merged. For instance, “I am” can be presented as “I’m” or “you all” can be sometimes heard as “y’all.”

Let’s focus more on the literary device definition in this discussion, however. So in literature, apostrophe occurs when a character in the story speaks to an object, an idea, or someone who’s dead or nonexistent, as if it has feelings. The purpose is to highlight the importance of the object, idea or non-existent person in the story and to inject a dramatic effect.

Apostrophe is commonly applied in fiction, music, poetry and prose. In this scenario, a character is seen or imagined alone (solo) and thinking his/her thoughts out loud. Typically, the character detaches himself/herself from the reality and speak to the inanimate or imaginary character in his/her speech.

Derived from the Greek word that means “turning back” or “turning away,” apostrophe is common in Greek drama and literary works. For instance, in Odyssey by Homer, the narrator would interrupt the action to provide information or commentary. Another classic example is Shakespeare’s Hamlet, wherein he addresses Yorick’s skull. The impact of the story would not have been as dramatic had Shakespeare not used apostrophe.

Purpose of an apostrophe

As cited above, the main function of apostrophe is to personify abstract ideas or inanimate objects or to bring them to life. By employing this tool, the writers or authors are able to surface abstract emotions that the audience or readers can identify more easily with. In addition, the idea of a character talking to an inanimate object or imaginary character also adds humor, drama or color to the plot.

Apostrophe Examples

In Act II, Scene II of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s famous line “O, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” is an apostrophe. This is because, although Romeo is a living person and is hiding in her yard and listening to her, Juliet thinks she is addressing someone who’s not present. The audience can tell that she thinks she is all by herself and just thinking out loud about her prince charming Romeo.

In the same play, Juliet can also be heard addressing to a dagger, i.e. ”O, happy dagger! This is thy sheath. Thus let me rust and die.” Note that she uses “O” before the inanimate object, a conventional way of starting an apostrophe to denote that the character or speaker is talking to someone or something that is not really present or real.

Here are other examples of apostrophe from famous literature and songs. Can you spot the apostrophe?

• Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are. (Jane Taylor)
• O holy night! The stars are brightly shining! (Adolphe Adam)
• Then come, sweet death, and rid me of this grief. (Queen Isabel in Edward II by Christopher Marlowe)
• O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth. (Julius Caesar, Act III, Scene I)
• Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean – roll! (The Ocean by Lord Byron)
• Welcome, O life! I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race. (A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce)
• O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! (The Holy Bible, Luke 13:34)

Apostrophe Worksheets

This bundle contains 5 ready-to-use apostrophe worksheets that are perfect to test student knowledge and understanding of what an apostrophe is and how it can be used. You can use these apostrophe worksheets in the classroom with students, or with home schooled children as well.

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