Apostrophe Figure of Speech — Definition and Examples

An Apostrophe occurs when a character or poet breaks off from their normal narrative to directly speak to something that cannot physically reply.

It is often introduced by the exclamation "O" or "Oh".

It is used to express intense emotion, highlight the importance of an object, or bring an abstract concept to life.

1. "O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?" (Bible / 1 Corinthians) — Addressing the abstract concepts of Death and the Grave.

2. "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, / How I wonder what you are." (Nursery Rhyme) — Addressing a star in the sky.

3. "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" (Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet) — Juliet is speaking to Romeo, who is physically absent (though hiding nearby secretly).

4. "Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour." (Wordsworth) — Addressing the dead poet John Milton.

5. "Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean—roll!" (Lord Byron) — Addressing the ocean.

Students often confuse these two, as they often occur together:

• Personification: Giving human qualities to a non-human thing. Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
• Apostrophe: Directly speaking TO a non-human thing or absent person. Example: O Wind, why do you whisper so loudly?

If you talk about the object, it's personification. If you talk to the object, it's an apostrophe.

• To convey deep, overwhelming emotion that cannot be contained in normal dialogue.
• To create a dramatic effect.
• To establish a personal connection between the speaker and nature or an abstract idea.