Give some examples of apostrophe used as a figure of speech.
- “O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.”
- “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!
- “O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
- “Table, you have given us so many great times and you guys – Jordan, Victor, Joel, all you guys, what can I say! You...
- “Twinkle, twinkle little star
- Oh, rose, how sweet you smell and how bright you look!
- Car, please get me to work today.
- Oh, trees, how majestic you are as you throw down your golden leaves.
- Dear love, please don't shoot me with your Cupid's bow.
How do you write an apostrophe?
To type e apostrophe in Word using the alt code:
- Launch your Word document.
- Place the insertion pointer where you want to type the apostrophe e.
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- Type the Alt code (0233 or 0201)using the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key.
What are the figures of speech in English?
Types of Figures of Speech
- ] Simile. A simile is a figure of speech that uses comparison. ...
- ] Metaphor. A metaphor and a simile are quite similar actually. ...
- ] Personification. Another very interesting figure of speech is personification. ...
- ] Hyperbole. Hyperbole in the Greek language translates to ‘excess’. ...
- ] Onomatopeia. This is a figure of speech where words or phrases indicate sounds. ...
What is an example of an apostrophe in literature?
Here are some examples of apostrophe in Shakespeare’s literary works:
- “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo ?” ( Romeo and Juliet )–Juliet addresses an “absent” Romeo, unaware that he is nearby.
- “Alas, poor Yorick! ...
- “Ingratitude, thou marble-hearted fiend, more hideous when thou show’st thee in a child than the sea-monster!” ( King Lear )– King Lear addresses the abstract idea of ingratitude as it ...
Is an apostrophe a literary device?
What is an Apostrophe? An apostrophe is a literary device in which the speaker addresses either an absent person or a non-human object, idea, or being and is commonly found in plays and poems. The term has its origin in the Greek word apostrophos, which means "turning away."
What are 5 examples of apostrophe?
A few apostrophe examples below:I am – I'm: “I'm planning to write a book someday.”You are – You're: “You're going to have a lot of fun with your new puppy.”She is – She's: “She's always on time.”It is – It's: “I can't believe it's snowing again.”Do not – Don't: “I don't like anchovies.”More items...
What is an example of an apostrophe?
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.”
What are the 10 examples of apostrophe?
ExamplesIt's a nice day outside. ( contraction)The cat is dirty. Its fur is matted. ( possession)You're not supposed to be here. ( contraction)This is your book. ( possession)Who's at the door? ( contraction)Whose shoes are these? ( possession)They're not here yet. ( contraction)Their car is red. ( possession)More items...
What is an apostrophe as a figure of speech?
It occurs when a speaker breaks off from addressing the audience (e.g. in a play) and directs speech to a third party such as an opposing litigant or some other individual, sometimes absent from the scene. Often the addressee is a personified abstract quality or inanimate object.
What are the 3 Uses of apostrophe and examples?
1) To Show Possession.2) To Show Omission of Letters.3) To Form Plurals of Letters, Numbers, and Symbols.Do Not Use Apostrophes for Possessive Pronouns or for Noun Plurals.
How do you use apostrophe in a sentence?
Use an apostrophe when showing possession If the plural of the word is formed by adding an "s" (for example, cats), place the apostrophe after the "s" (see guideline #3 below). If the plural of the word is formed without adding an "s" (for example, children), add apostrophe "s" ('s) as you would to the singular form.
What are the 2 types of apostrophes?
There are two different kinds of apostrophes: smart and straight.
What does the apostrophe mean in the figure of speech?
The word "apostrophe," which comes from ancient Greek, literally means "turning away, " because to perform apostrophe on stage, an actor turns away from the scene to address an absent entity.
What are the apostrophes in a sentence?
Some additional key details about apostrophe: 1 Apostrophe, the figure of speech, should not be confused with apostrophe, the punctuation mark. 2 The word "apostrophe," which comes from ancient Greek, literally means "turning away," because to perform apostrophe on stage, an actor turns away from the scene to address an absent entity. 3 An apostrophe is often introduced by the exclamation "O," as when Juliet cries out: "O Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo?" 4 Apostrophe appears most often in poetry and plays, though it can appear in prose literature as well. 5 Apostrophe always addresses its object in the second person. Sometimes this address involves the word "you" or the more formal "thou." Other times the "you" is not included, as when the narrator of Herman Melville's story Bartleby, the Scrivener ends his tale with the despairing apostrophe: "Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!"
Why is the apostrophe in "To the Reader" an example?
Beaudelaire's poem "To The Reader" may therefore be considered an example of apostrophe, because Beaudelaire describes the reader and makes him come to life, addressing him directly at the end:
What is an apotrophe in writing?
Apostrophe often involves the speaker or writer addressing an inanimate object or abstract idea. In doing so, the speaker or writer will often impart to the object human characteristics. The object, in other words, gets personified. Take these two lines from William Wordsworth's "Prelude":
What is an apostrophe and an aversion?
Though everyone agrees that apostrophe is a form of address to a silent listener, some scholars insist that apostrophe must involve what they call an "aversion," a turning away from an original audience to then address the subject of the apostrophe.
How does Wordsworth personify the cliffs and islands?
Here, in addition to performing an apostrophe in which the speaker addresses the cliffs and islands, Wordsworth personifies those cliffs and islands by imagining them as capable of knowing someone. However, though apostrophe often involves personification of inanimate objects or abstract ideas, it certainly doesn't always.
What is an apotrophe?
Here’s a quick and simple definition: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone (or something) that is not present or cannot respond in reality. The entity being addressed can be an absent, dead, or imaginary person, but it can also be an inanimate object (like stars or the ocean), ...
What is an apostrophe in writing?
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.
Why do writers use apostrophes?
By using an apostrophe in literary works, writers can effectively bring abstract ideas and even nonexistent persons to life, so that the emotions they want to communicate can have a medium which can help make the reader more empathetic toward the sentiments since it is being felt and expressed by a character. You might be interested in simile examples for kids.
What does an apostrophe mean in 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.
Why is it important to use an 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.
What does it mean when a poem has an apostrophe?
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.
When to use an apostrophe in a play?
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.
Where does the word "apostrophe" come from?
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.
Why did Shakespeare use an apostrophe?
William Shakespeare utilized apostrophe in many of his plays as a device to allow characters to convey their emotions and/or internal viewpoints. By allowing the speaker to express their thoughts and feelings to an absent or inanimate “third party,” the audience becomes more aware of the character’s motivations and personal truth. Here are some examples of apostrophe in Shakespeare’s literary works:
Why do poets use apostrophes?
By using apostrophe, the poet is able to share their thoughts and feelings about death as an abstract idea by “speaking” to Death as if it could hear or understand . In turn, this literary device also allows the poet to share their innermost emotions and ideas about death with the reader to create a greater impact.
What does an apostrophe mean in a song?
Apostrophe is often utilized in song lyrics as a means of addressing something that is inanimate or an abstract idea. This adds to a song’s entertainment value and meaning for the listener. Here are some examples of apostrophe in well-known song lyrics: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star / How I wonder what you are.
What is the difference between an apostrophe and a punctuation?
Difference Between Apostrophe as Literary Device and Punctuation. Most people have heard of apostrophe in terms of punctuation. As a punctuation mark , an apostrophe indicates possession (the student’s book) or an intentional omission of letters or numbers (they’re studying).
What is an apostrophe in a poem?
As a literary device, an apostrophe is a poetic phrase or speech made by a character that is addressed to a subject that is not literally present in the literary work. The subject may be dead, absent, an inanimate object, or even an abstract idea. A literary apostrophe is designed to direct a reader or audience member’s attention to ...
Why does Williams use an apostrophe in the end of the play?
Williams utilizes apostrophe at the close of the play to reveal that Laura is still very much a part of Tom’s thoughts and existence. This indicates that, though Tom has physically escaped his mother and sister, he is still tethered to them psychologically and emotionally.
Why do we use apostrophes in literature?
As a literary device, apostrophe is used in literature to allow a character to speak to an object, abstract idea, absent person, or someone who doesn’t exist as if it is a living, present person. Apostrophe is effective in a literary work for its dramatic effect, to demonstrate the importance of the object, idea, or absent person, ...
What is the meaning of the apostrophe in the figure of speech?
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").
What is an apostrophe in speech?
Figures of Speech: The Apostrophe as a Literary Device. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. In addition to being a punctuation mark, an apostrophe is a figure of speech in which some absent or nonexistent ...
What is an apostrophe in a persuasive essay?
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.".
What does Edgar Allen Poe say about the raven?
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. ".
What is an Apostrophe?
A very essential yet sensational thermology that has had a great impact on English literature is the apostrophe. Confused by students with the punctuation mark, surely ‘Apostrophe’ is more profound and deep-rooted.
What is the need for an apostrophe?
The primary and most important use of an apostrophe is to present and reveal deep emotions, whether they are related to love, passion, hatred, dislike, fear, doubt, or anger.
Examples of Apostrophes found in literature and poems
As an online English teacher who reads poetry passionately, the below are my favorite examples!
What are some examples of apostrophes?
Examples of Apostrophe: 1. Oh, rose, how sweet you smell and how bright you look! 2. Car, please get me to work today. 3. Oh, trees, how majestic you are as you throw down your golden leaves. 4.
What is an apostrophe?
Apostrophe. Apostrophe - when a character in a literary work speaks to an object, an idea, or someone who doesn't exist as if it is a living person. This is done to produce dramatic effect and to show the importance of the object or idea.
What is an apostrophe in writing?
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 ...
What is the purpose of an 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.
What is the apostrophe in Romeo and Juliet?
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.
What does it mean when a character is apostrophed?
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.
What is an example of a narrator interrupting the action?
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.
Some Key Points
- Some key points about apostrophe are: 1. The word ‘apostrophe’ which comes from ancient Greek. Literally meaning of the apostrophe is turning away. 2. It is an exclamatory figure of speech and sometimes introduced by “O”. For example, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou R…
Apostrophe as A Literary Device vs Apostrophe as A Punctuation Mark
- Now, we see the difference between apostrophe as a literary device and apostrophe as a punctuation mark.
Common Examples of An Apostrophe
- As we know that the use of apostrophe and also familiar with using apostrophe without realizing it. Apostrophes are found in daily writing or daily speech, plays and poetry as well as literature. Here are some common examples of apostrophe 1. Why do not you ever work? You stupid computer! 2. Ring o bell! 3. O captain! My captain! Our fearful trip is done. 4. Don’t tell me now, d…
Apostrophe in Songs
- Apostrophe are also found in songs lyrics. Many poets of music make use of apostrophe, as apostrophe creates a direct emotions between the singer and his subject. Song ‘Oh Cecilia’ by The Vamps Cecilia, you’re breaking my heart You’re shaking my confidence daily Put your hands up You’re surrounded The whole love thing I clowned it Then who’s the joker? I guess I’m it Cause I l…
Apostrophe in Poetry
- Apostrophes mostly found in poetry, prose, fiction and literature. Example#1 Ode to a Nightingale (by John Keats) Thou wast not born for death, Immortal bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing nigh Was heard—————— The ode form of poetry was a favorite of John Keats. Odes are usually directed to an absent object or person who is not prese…
Purposes and Functions of An Apostrophe
- The main function of an apostrophe is to personify absent things or non-existent ideas to bring them to life. Due to this purpose, the writers are able to develop perspective that is as well as creative. Suitable for readers to co-relate themselves to abstract emotions when they observe them in their natural surroundings. Writers try to bring lifeless ideas or non-existent person to lif…
Apostrophe Definition
Apostrophe Examples
- Examples of Apostrophe in Literature
Apostrophe is found throughout literature: it appears in poetry, prose, and drama, and across all eras from ancient Greek epic poetry through modern times. - Examples of Apostrophe in Song Lyrics
Many different genres of music make use of apostrophe, as it creates a direct emotional attachment between the singer and his or her subject.
Why Do Writers Use Apostrophe?
- Apostrophe is used primarily to express strong emotion (like love, hate, fear, or anger), but it allows the speaker or writer to do so by directly addressing the subject of their thoughts or feelings, which makes the expression less abstract. Speakers or characters may use apostrophe to make an impassioned plea or prayer, to celebrate a happy occasion, or to lament a loss. The …
Other Helpful Apostrophe Resources
- The Wikipedia entry on apostrophe:on apostrophe: short and sweet, with a bunch of good examples.
- A dictionary definition of apostrophe:This definition covers both the punctuation mark and the figure of speech. It also provides a brief etymology of the word.
- Macbeth's apostrophe to the dagger:Macbeth, played by Patrick Stewart, addresses his visio…
- The Wikipedia entry on apostrophe:on apostrophe: short and sweet, with a bunch of good examples.
- A dictionary definition of apostrophe:This definition covers both the punctuation mark and the figure of speech. It also provides a brief etymology of the word.
- Macbeth's apostrophe to the dagger:Macbeth, played by Patrick Stewart, addresses his vision of a dagger.
Overview
- Apostrophe, and figures of speech in general, are what we call literary devices, which means that it is a technique that a writer uses to produce a special effect in their general writing. When you read a novel or a poem and the speaker starts directly talking to abstract concepts like love, death, or hope as if they are standing right in front of them, brace yourself because you are in for a lot o…
Use
- This simple writing technique is ubiquitous in old pieces of literature, and even in literature of the nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. 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.
In fiction
- Apostrophe as a literary device on the other hand, as weve already discussed, refers to a fictional characters reference to an addressee who is not physically present in the scene. Even without serious analyzing, its evident that, although both terms hold the exact same spelling and pronunciation, they are very different in meaning and in nature, and must not be confused with t…
Issues
- Have you ever tried addressing your car every time it refuses to start? How many times have you begged it to work long enough to take you to your office? Or have you ever yelled at the sun for being too hot for a nice walk in the park? Or what about those times youve responded to a formal email or to a text out loud, even while being aware that the person cannot hear you?
Examples
- Take another look at these examples. They seem normal to us, right? Of course, wed talk to our coffee. Its every mornings lifesaver. Of course, wed beg the clouds to not rain. Who else are we going to talk to about it? And whats wrong with asking math why its being so difficult, right? You may also check out irony examples for kids. By addressing a...
Influence
- 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.
Style
- 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.
Lyrics
- JULIET: Yea, noise? Then Ill be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.
Trivia
- It doesnt come as much of a shock that dear old Shakespeare is on the list. If youre looking for drama, this is your guy. First, he made Juliet talk to a dagger before committing suicide. (Seriously, this guy has issues.) Now, in another time-honored piece, Hamlet is found strolling through a graveyard with his friend Horatio (which, apparently, is how friends hang out back then…
Quotes
- 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 lived in the tide of times. O stranger of the future! / O inconceivable being! / Whatever the shape of your house, / However you scoot from place to place / No matter how strange and colorless the clothes you may wear / I bet nobody lik…
Symptoms
- Although Caesars dead body is not as decayed as Yoricks skull in Hamlet, both men display the same characteristic: lifelessness. And, as weve already discussed, talking to anything or anyone that cannot respond to you is, in literature, known as the use of apostrophe. You might be interested in anaphora examples definition and usage.
Themes
- He tells it that although some people are scared of it, it has nothing to be proud of because inspiring awe and fear in other people is not something that anyone should aim for. Hes basically telling Death about the stupidity of the whole reason behind his existence. You may also see dramatic irony definition and examples.
Episodes
- 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.
Title
- Another popular literary work that makes use of apostrophe. In this excerpt from the novel by Joyce, we can see the character talking to life as if it is a person, and not the actuality that he is living. His basic statement seems to communicate to us that, aside from directly addressing life, he is also confiding in it.
Definition of Apostrophe
- As a literary device, an apostrophe is a poetic phrase or speech made by a character that is addressed to a subject that is not literally present in the literary work. The subject may be dead, absent, an inanimate object, or even an abstract idea. A literary apostrophe is designed to direct a reader or audiencemember’s attention to the entity being addressed as a means of indicating it…
Common Examples of Apostrophe in Everyday Speech
- When we “speak” to something that is inanimate, abstract, or absent, we are using apostrophe. People may do this internally or by speaking aloud. Here are some common examples of apostrophe in everyday speech: 1. Love, who needs you? 2. Come on phone, give me a ring! 3. Chocolate, why must you be so delicious? 4. Alarm clock, please don’t fail me. ...
Examples of Apostrophe in Song Lyrics
- Apostrophe is often utilized in song lyricsas a means of addressing something that is inanimate or an abstract idea. This adds to a song’s entertainment value and meaning for the listener. Here are some examples of apostrophe in well-known song lyrics: 1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star/ How I wonder what you are 2. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree / How lovely are thy branches 3. He…
Examples of Apostrophe in Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare utilized apostrophe in many of his plays as a device to allow characters to convey their emotions and/or internal viewpoints. By allowing the speaker to express their thoughts and feelings to an absent or inanimate “third party,” the audience becomes more aware of the character’s motivationsand personal truth. Here are some examples of apostrophe in Sha…
Difference Between Apostrophe as Literary Device and Punctuation
- Most people have heard of apostrophe in terms of punctuation. As a punctuation mark, an apostrophe indicates possession (the student’s book) or an intentional omission of letters or numbers (they’re studying). Though it may appear that apostrophe as punctuation is entirely different from apostrophe as a literary device, there is a similar foundation to their functions. A li…
Examples of Apostrophe in Literature
- As a literary device, apostrophe is used in literature to allow a character to speak to an object, abstract idea, absent person, or someone who doesn’t exist as if it is a living, present person. Apostrophe is effective in a literary work for its dramatic effect, to demonstrate the importance of the object, idea, or absent person, and to allow readers to witness a character’s personal and inti…