California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone or something that is not present, often used to invoke or highlight emotions within the text. This can include addressing an absent person, an abstract concept, or even a non-human entity, such as a deity, a dream, or an object. By doing this, the speaker can create a sense of intimacy or urgency, allowing the audience to connect with the sentiment being expressed.

In literature, this technique often serves to emphasize the emotional state of the speaker or to frame the subject matter in a compelling way. For instance, in a poem, the speaker may address death as if it were a person they could converse with, which can enhance the thematic depth of the piece. Thus, the direct address essential to apostrophe allows for a powerful expression of feelings and ideas, distinguishing it from other figures of speech that convey emotions in different ways.