A Guide to Understanding Apostrophe in Literature

Which excerpt illustrates apostrophe?

“Long have I known a glory in it all”

“World, World, I cannot hold thee close enough!”

“Here such passion is/As stretcheth me apart”

“To lift the lean of that black bluff!”

Correct Answer:

“World, World, I cannot hold thee close enough!”

When it comes to understanding apostrophe in literature, it is important to recognize when poets address an inanimate object, a concept, or an absent person as if it were present. In the excerpt "World, World, I cannot hold thee close enough!", the speaker is directly addressing the world as if it were a person, expressing a deep emotional connection and longing.

Apostrophe serves as a powerful literary device that allows poets to bring life and emotion to their writing by attributing human characteristics to non-human entities. By using apostrophe, poets can create a sense of intimacy, urgency, and passion in their works.

Next time you come across a poem that features apostrophe, pay attention to how the speaker engages with the object or concept being addressed. It can offer valuable insights into the themes, emotions, and messages conveyed in the poem.