What is the purpose of an apostrophe in dramatic literature?

The purpose of an apostrophe in dramatic literature is to address an abstract idea or a person who is not physically present. This literary device allows a character to convey emotions, thoughts, or feelings directed toward an entity that cannot respond, such as a deceased person, an abstract concept like love or fate, or a muse. By employing this technique, the author increases the emotional intensity of the dialogue and connects deeply with the audience’s understanding of the character’s internal struggles or aspirations.

Other possible choices do not align with the specific function of an apostrophe. While the use of suspense or dramatic irony and providing comic relief are important theatrical elements, they do not directly relate to the specific purpose of addressing an absent entity, which is key to the apostrophe. Additionally, depicting physical struggles focuses on action and conflict rather than addressing emotions or ideas, thus diverging from the essence of an apostrophe in literature.