How is an apostrophe used in literature?

An apostrophe in literature is a figure of speech where an author directly addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. It allows the speaker to express emotions and thoughts as if they were conversing with that entity. This device is often used to convey deep feelings or to highlight the importance of the addressed subject, even if it is not physically present.

For example, in literary works, characters might speak to a deceased loved one, an abstract concept like death or love, or even inanimate objects, which helps to create a dramatic effect and engage readers' emotions. Utilizing apostrophe invites the audience into a more intimate interaction with the speaker's feelings and enhances the expressive quality of the text.