Which literary device addresses an absent or dead person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object?

Which literary device addresses an absent or dead person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object?

• A. Apostrophe
• B. Epiphany
• C. Malapropism
• D. Exposition

Answer: (A)

This question is about a figure of speech where the speaker talks directly to someone who isn’t present or to something nonhuman. That direct address to an absent person, a dead figure, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object is called apostrophe. It lets the voice express emotion or create a dramatic moment as if the listener could respond. A classic example is the line “O Death, be not proud,” where the speaker addresses Death as if it could hear and reply, even though Death cannot. This usage is different from an epiphany, which is a sudden moment of insight; from malapropism, the humorous misuse of a word; and from exposition, which is simply providing background information. So apostrophe best fits the scenario described.

This question is about a figure of speech where the speaker talks directly to someone who isn’t present or to something nonhuman. That direct address to an absent person, a dead figure, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object is called apostrophe. It lets the voice express emotion or create a dramatic moment as if the listener could respond. A classic example is the line “O Death, be not proud,” where the speaker addresses Death as if it could hear and reply, even though Death cannot. This usage is different from an epiphany, which is a sudden moment of insight; from malapropism, the humorous misuse of a word; and from exposition, which is simply providing background information. So apostrophe best fits the scenario described.