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FIGURES OF SPEECH - 17 - APOSTROPHE

A figure of speech is an ornamental use of words.

A figure of speech may be defined as a change from the plain and ordinary mode of expression for the sake of emphasis or to beautify the language.

Figure of speech is a technique or a tool of expression, by means of which one deviates from the ordinary expression in order to produce a better or a more emphatic linguistic effect.

Figures of speech are commonly used in poetry to enhance the beauty, imagery, poetic effect and rhyme scheme of the poem.

APOSTROPHE

It is a figure of speech by which the speaker addresses(Calling) some inanimate non living thing or some abstract idea as if it were a living person or an absent person as if he were present.

Examples:

1. 'Liberty', what crimes have been committed in thy name!

The given line is an example of Apostrophe.

In the given example Liberty - an abstract idea is addressed.

2. O Death! Where is thy sting?

Death is directly addressed as if it were a living being and we're present in front of the speaker.

3. O Mother! teach our hands to bear!

The given line is an example of Apostrophe.

Here, Direct address has been made to an inanimate person or a thing.

4. Republic Day! We grow aware.

The given line is an example of Apostrophe.

Here, Direct address has been made to an inanimate thing.


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