Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which literary device can enhance emotional intensity through direct address?

1. Antimetabole

2. Apostrophe

3. Assonance

4. Asyndeton

The correct answer is: Apostrophe

The correct choice is apostrophe, as it is a literary device that allows a speaker or writer to directly address an absent person, an abstract concept, or an inanimate object. This direct address can generate a significant emotional response from the audience, as it creates an intimate connection between the speaker and the subject being addressed. For instance, in various poems and speeches, a character may call out to Death or address the stars, which can evoke feelings of longing, admiration, or sorrow. Apostrophe serves to heighten the emotional stakes within the text by bringing the audience closer to the speaker's feelings and thoughts. By addressing someone or something that is not physically present, the speaker often reveals their inner emotions, making the discourse more personal and poignant. This contrasts with the other literary devices mentioned, which do not primarily serve the function of direct emotional engagement through address.