Apostrophe

Introduction

The apostrophe is a literary device where a speaker directly addresses someone who is not present or is dead, or speaks to an inanimate object. This can be found in poetry, dramas, and prose. It is a form of personification and is used to add emotional intensity or create a dramatic effect. By breaking the barrier between the speaker and the subject, apostrophes imbue the narrative with a poignant, often introspective voice that helps to deepen the connection between the reader and the text. Writers like William Shakespeare and John Donne have famously used this technique to breathe life into abstract concepts or to converse with the dearly departed, thus engaging their audiences on a more intimate level.

Pronunciation: /əˈpɒstrəfi/

When do writers use Apostrophe literary device?

Writers employ the apostrophe literary device primarily to evoke emotion and create a sense of intimacy or immediacy within their works. By addressing non-present characters, the dead, or even abstract ideas directly, authors can express deep feelings and thoughts that might otherwise be difficult to convey. This device is especially useful in poetry and dramatic monologues, where the emotional stakes are high, and the speaker seeks to form a direct connection with the subject or the audience. It also serves to personify objects and concepts, granting them relatable characteristics and emotional depth.

Rules for using Apostrophe Device

To effectively use the apostrophe literary device in your writing, consider the following guidelines:

1. Identify the Purpose: Determine what you want to achieve by using apostrophe. Is it to evoke sympathy, arouse emotion, or perhaps to offer insight into the speaker’s inner thoughts?
2. Choose the Right Subject: The subject addressed should be non-present, abstract, or personified. This could be a deceased loved one, a philosophical concept, or even a city or natural element.
3. Create Emotional Depth: Use apostrophe to delve deeper into the emotional landscape of your narrative. It should enhance the emotional tone of your writing, not detract from it.
4. Maintain Clarity: While the apostrophe can add a layer of complexity, ensure it does not confuse the reader. The transition to and from the apostrophe should be smooth and logical.
5. Use Sparingly: Because it’s a powerful device, its impact is best felt when used sparingly. Overuse can dilute its effectiveness and disengage your audience.

Following these rules will help you harness the full potential of the apostrophe literary device, adding a rich layer of emotional resonance and complexity to your work.

Types of Apostrophe

The apostrophe literary device can be categorized primarily into two types based on its usage in literature:

1. Apostrophe to the Absent: This type involves the speaker addressing a person who is not physically present. This can be a deceased individual, someone who is geographically distant, or even an entity that has never been present. The purpose is often to express longing, tribute, or an emotional outpouring that assumes the absent party can hear and perhaps respond.
2. Apostrophe to the Inanimate: Here, the speaker addresses an inanimate object, an abstract concept, or an idea as if it were capable of listening and understanding. This type of apostrophe is used to personify objects, allowing the writer to express complex ideas through a relatable and often emotional dialogue with the non-human entity.

These types serve different narrative and poetic purposes but share the common goal of enhancing emotional depth and engagement with the audience.

Apostrophe in Literature

Apostrophe has been a popular literary device in classic and contemporary literature. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: In his famous soliloquy, Macbeth speaks to a dagger that he imagines before him, using it as a confidant in his turmoil and a partner in his crime, “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?”
2. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley: The monster, often alone and misunderstood, addresses the stars as sentient beings, imploring them for answers to his existence and suffering.
3. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë: The titular character often addresses herself and her thoughts, as well as the abstract concepts of fate and nature, providing a window into her inner life.

Apostrophe in Children’s Books

In children’s literature, apostrophe is used to simplify complex emotions and make abstract concepts accessible to young readers. Some famous examples include:

1. “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter: Peter addresses his own feelings and the objects around him, making his adventures more engaging for children.
2. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: Although not a direct apostrophe, Charlotte the spider speaks to her creations, the words in her web, as if they hold the power to save her friend, the pig named Wilbur.
3. “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss: The protagonist, not directly using apostrophe in the classic sense, often talks to the inanimate “green eggs and ham,” urging them to try them in various scenarios, which adds a playful layer to the narrative.

Apostrophe in Poetry

Apostrophe is a staple in poetry, used to add dramatic effect and emotional intensity. Here are some prominent examples:

1. “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Shelley addresses the West Wind as a powerful force and a destroyer and preserver, highlighting his desires for revolution and change.
2. “To Autumn” by John Keats: Keats speaks directly to the season of Autumn, celebrating its beauty and the bounty it brings, personifying it as a harvester with a human touch.
3. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: The narrator addresses the raven, initially as a curious visitor, but increasingly with desperation and madness, using the bird to delve deeper into his grief and loss.

Each example utilizes apostrophe to bridge the gap between the abstract and the tangible, allowing readers to explore deeper emotional and existential themes.

Apostrophe in Songs

Songs often use apostrophe to address someone or something not present, enhancing the emotional depth of the lyrics. Here are ten famous examples:

1. “Yesterday” by The Beatles: Paul McCartney laments to “yesterday,” wishing it were here today to alleviate his troubles.
2. “Hello” by Adele: The singer addresses a past lover, attempting to reconcile the emotional distance that has grown between them.
3. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton: Clapton addresses his deceased son, pondering whether they will recognize each other in heaven.
4. “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars: Mars sings to the moon, hoping his lost love can hear him.
5. “Stan” by Eminem: Though largely structured as a series of letters, the song features direct addresses to the artist from a fan, blending narrative with apostrophe.
6. “Someone Like You” by Adele: Adele speaks directly to her former lover, discussing her lingering feelings after their breakup.
7. “My Immortal” by Evanescence: Amy Lee addresses a departed soul who still haunts her, blending grief with longing.
8. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John: Originally about Marilyn Monroe and later adapted for Princess Diana, John addresses the late celebrity, reflecting on her life and tragic death.
9. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles: Paul McCartney offers words of encouragement directly to John Lennon’s son, Jude, advising him to take a sad song and make it better.
10. “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross: Vandross addresses his late father, wishing for another moment together.

Apostrophe in Movies

Apostrophe in movies often occurs when characters speak to someone who is not present or to an inanimate object, imbuing scenes with emotional resonance or symbolic meaning. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Cast Away”: Tom Hanks’ character, Chuck, famously talks to a volleyball named Wilson, treating it as a human companion to cope with isolation.
2. “Hamlet”: In numerous adaptations, Hamlet speaks to the skull of Yorick, pondering mortality and the meaning of life.
3. “Forrest Gump”: Forrest frequently talks to his deceased loved ones, particularly his wife Jenny, as if they are still with him.
4. “Psycho”: Norman Bates speaks to his mother, who is not present in the form viewers might expect, revealing his fractured psyche.
5. “American Sniper”: Chris Kyle talks to his deceased comrades and reflects on his actions and their sacrifices during quiet moments.

Famous movie line highlighting Apostrophe

“Wilson, I’m sorry!” – This line from Cast Away features Tom Hanks’ character apologizing to his volleyball companion, Wilson, after he loses it at sea, showcasing a poignant use of apostrophe in film.

YouTube link of relevant movie clip demonstrating Apostrophe

You can easily find the “Wilson” scene from Cast Away by searching “Cast Away Wilson scene” on YouTube.

Apostrophe in Advertising

Apostrophe is also used creatively in advertising to personify products, engage consumers, or convey messages directly. Some examples include:

1. Apple’s Siri Commercials: Various ads show users talking to Siri as if she were a human assistant, asking for help or advice.
2. M&M’s “They do exist!” Campaign: The M&Ms speak to Santa Claus, and both faint upon realizing the other is real, creating a humorous encounter.
3. Michelin Tires: The Michelin Man, a personified tire, interacts with drivers, suggesting he protects and cares for them on their journeys.

Apostrophe Related Literary Devices

Apostrophe is related to several other literary devices, each enhancing text in unique ways:

1. Personification: Giving human traits to inanimate objects, which is often a component of apostrophe.
2. Prosopopoeia: A form of personification where an absent or imaginary person is represented as speaking or acting.
3. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for effect; often used alongside apostrophe to emphasize emotional intensity.
4. Pathetic Fallacy: Attributing human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, especially in weather and nature. This can overlap with apostrophe when these elements are directly addressed.
5. Monologue: A long speech by one character without another character’s response; can include apostrophe if addressed to someone absent or non-human.

Each of these devices enhances the narrative by adding layers of meaning, emotional depth, or dramatic effect.