This question is based on selected poems from Johnson, R. et ai (eds): New Poetry African: Soyinka W. (ed): Poems of Black Africa; Senanu, K.E. and Vincent....

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The excerpt from Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress" is an example of an apostrophe. An apostrophe is a literary device where the speaker addresses a person, animal, or inanimate object that is not present as if it were alive and able to respond. In this case, the speaker is addressing his "coy mistress" as if she were present and able to hear his words. The persona in Houseman's "To an Athlete Dying Young" also addresses the dead athlete using an apostrophe. The speaker is addressing the athlete as if he were still alive, even though he has passed away. This device is used to create a sense of intimacy and to express the speaker's feelings towards the dead athlete.