The apostrophe is a powerful figure of speech that can add a unique layer of meaning to any text. An apostrophe is a type of punctuation mark used to signify possession or to indicate an omission of letters in a word. It is also used to invoke an absent person or thing, personify an abstract concept, and to address a dead or absent person. As a literary device, the apostrophe can be used to create emotion, create a sense of urgency, and add depth and complexity to a text.
The apostrophe is an effective way to refer to a person who is absent or dead. For example, in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet speaks to the ghost of his father, saying, “Oh that this too, too solid flesh would melt’, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!” Here, the apostrophe is used to signify the presence of the dead, even though his father is not physically present in the scene.
The apostrophe can also be used to personify an abstract concept. In Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Hope is the thing with feathers,” she uses the apostrophe to refer to Hope as a living, breathing entity. By personifying an abstract concept, Dickinson is able to evoke a strong emotion of hope with the reader.
The apostrophe can also be used to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. In Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” he uses the apostrophe to invoke a sense of urgency, saying, “Forward, the Light’ Brigade! Charge for the guns!” Here, the apostrophe is used to make the reader feel as if they are part of the action and urgency of the poem.
Finally, the apostrophe can be used to add depth and complexity to a text. In Charlotte Bronte’s novel, Jane Eyre, she uses the apostrophe to refer to a character without naming them, saying, “She had spoken of me to the person she loved; she had joined me, the outcast, with her noble kindred.” Here, the apostrophe is used to evoke a sense of mystery and complexity around the character.
The apostrophe is a versatile and powerful figure of speech that can be used to evoke emotion, create a sense of urgency, and add depth and complexity to text. Whether you are a writer or a reader, understanding how to use the apostrophe as a literary device can help you create meaningful, emotive, and powerful pieces of literature.
