An apostrophe is when one character speaks directly to another character or to the audience. It is often used during moments of high emotion, such as when two lovers have just been reunited after being separated for years.
The term “apostrophe” comes from the Greek word for “turn aside” or “turn away”. It was first used in English in 1647 by John Milton when he wrote Paradise Lost: “Hail holy Light, offspring of Heav’n first-born…” However, it was not until around 1900 that writers began using it regularly in their works.
Apostrophes can be found in many literary works, including novels and plays. In these cases, they are usually used for one of two reasons:
1. To express a character’s thoughts or feelings (these are called direct addresses).
2. To comment on the overall theme of the work (these are called exclamations).
An apostrophe is usually used when one person speaks directly to another person or persons but does not want those who are listening to know what they are saying (for example: “You have been given an important mission by your country”). In these cases, it is called an inverted apostrophe (or inverted comma). When one person speaks directly to another person or persons but does not want those who are listening to know what they are saying (for example: “You have been given an important mission by your country”). In these cases, it is called an inverted apostrophe (or inverted comma).
