Question

To say "Roll, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll!" address an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. What is this an example of?

1) Addressing an absent person
2) Addressing an abstract idea
3) Addressing a thing

Answer 1

The example given is an instance of addressing an abstract idea, where the speaker is expressing their emotions towards the ocean through personification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase "Roll, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll!" is an example of addressing a thing, which in this case is the ocean. This literary device is known as apostrophe, which involves speaking directly to someone who is not present or to an inanimate object or abstract idea as if it were capable of understanding and responding. The apostrophe is often used in poetry and dramatic monologues to convey emotion and to personify objects, giving them life and character.

This example of saying 'Roll, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll!' is an instance of addressing an abstract idea. In this case, the speaker is addressing the ocean, which represents an abstract idea of power, vastness, and movement. The speaker is using personification to give human-like qualities to the ocean and express their emotions towards it.