Here's a breakdown:
Key Features:
* Direct Address: The speaker directly addresses the absent person, object, or abstract concept.
* Emotional Intensity: Apostrophes often convey strong emotions like love, grief, anger, or admiration.
* Personification: Often, the speaker treats the inanimate object or abstract idea as if it were a living being.
Examples:
* "O, Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" (Juliet in Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*) - Juliet speaks to Romeo, even though he is not present, expressing her love and despair.
* "Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful..." (John Donne, "Holy Sonnet 10") - The speaker directly addresses Death, personifying it and challenging its power.
* "Oh, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?" (Percy Bysshe Shelley, "Ode to the West Wind") - The speaker directly addresses the wind, seeking solace and hope.
Purpose:
Apostrophes are used for a variety of reasons, including:
* Emotional Impact: To create a more powerful and emotionally charged effect.
* To Connect with the Audience: To engage the audience and make them feel as if they are part of the conversation.
* To Express Personal Feelings: To allow the speaker to express their personal thoughts and feelings in a direct and intimate way.
* To Emphasize Ideas: To highlight particular ideas or themes within a piece of writing.
Remember: Apostrophes are not just a poetic device. They can be found in everyday language, such as when someone says, "Oh, come on, rain!" or "Hey, gravity, you're messing with my hair."