A rhetorical device in which the poet directly addresses an absent person, a dead individual, an abstract concept, or an inanimate object as if it were present and capable of responding. Named for the apostrophe punctuation mark though not always indicated by one, this technique creates emotional intimacy and dramatic intensity by breaking the fourth wall between poet and subject. Examples include addressing Death, Nature, God, or departed loved ones, allowing poets to express profound emotion through direct conversation with the unresponsive.

Direct address to absent, dead, or abstract entities as if they were present and listening. One of the most common rhetorical devices in poetry. Named for the apostrophe punctuation mark, though not always indicated by one. Creates intimacy and emotional intensity.