Apostrophe

Definition

Apostrophe is a rhetorical device where a speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing as if it were present and capable of understanding. This technique allows for emotional expression and emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's feelings, often creating a dramatic effect that engages the audience's imagination and empathy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apostrophe can be used in various forms of writing, including poetry, prose, and speeches, to enhance emotional resonance.
2. It is often found in classic literature and speeches, such as when Shakespeare addresses dead characters or nature in his works.
3. Using apostrophe can create a sense of urgency or passion in the speaker's voice, making the audience feel more connected to the message.
4. This device can also serve as a means of self-reflection for the speaker, allowing them to articulate their innermost thoughts and feelings.
5. In Longinus' exploration of sublimity, apostrophe contributes to the power and grandeur of a work by engaging the audience's emotions through direct address.

Review Questions

• How does apostrophe function as a rhetorical device to enhance emotional expression in literary works?
  • Apostrophe functions as a powerful rhetorical device by allowing the speaker to address an absent person or an abstract concept directly, which deepens emotional expression. This direct address can create a dramatic effect that captures the audience's attention and draws them into the speaker's emotional state. By speaking to something or someone not present, the speaker elevates their message, making it more poignant and impactful.
• In what ways does apostrophe relate to Longinus' idea of sublimity in literature?
  • Apostrophe aligns with Longinus' concept of sublimity by enhancing the emotional depth and grandeur of a literary work. By invoking absent entities or ideas with passion, authors can achieve a heightened sense of beauty and power in their writing. This rhetorical device helps convey intense feelings that resonate with readers, fostering an immersive experience that aligns with Longinus' vision of sublime expression.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using apostrophe compared to other rhetorical devices like personification or imagery in creating emotional engagement.
  • Apostrophe can be particularly effective in creating emotional engagement because it directly addresses the audience's imagination and empathy, making them feel included in the speaker's emotions. While personification and imagery evoke feelings through descriptive techniques, apostrophe adds an element of direct communication that can intensify emotions even further. By invoking absent characters or concepts, it creates a personal connection that distinguishes it from other rhetorical devices, making it a compelling choice for writers aiming for profound impact.

Related terms

Personification: Attributing human characteristics or qualities to non-human entities or abstract concepts to create relatable imagery.

Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping to create vivid mental pictures and evoke emotions.

Invocation: A call to a deity or muse for inspiration, often found in poetry, where the poet seeks guidance or assistance.