When we say this, we are expressing a wish to be fulfilled. We know that this wish conveys our sense of longing and regret and hope for a better situation, even if it is unlikely to be realised. But what most of us don’t know is that we are using the literary device optatio to voice these wishes.
Optatio is a figure of speech expressing a wish or hope, often with the objective of affecting the listener or changing reality. It is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech, and is an effective way of adding depth and meaning to the written or spoken word.
The word optatio originates from the Latin optare which means to wish or choose. Optatio has been used for centuries in classical rhetoric, and passed down generations as a technique for writers and speakers to influence their audiences.
An early example is in William Shakespeare's Sonnet 29. In this legendary poetic work, Shakespeare expresses the narrator’s wish for happiness and deliverance from troubles:
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Nutri-rich Indian SNACKS
Indigenous snacks are healthy and nutritious alternatives to processed junk food. They are rich in protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients. Try these three nutri-rich Indian snacks
Exposing children to CAREER CHOICES
PW invited parents from Amarjyoti Saraswati International School, Bhavnagar to share their thoughts on how they introduce children to diverse career options
Switzerland IDEAL FAMILY GETAWAY
From exploring ancient castles and medieval towns to embarking on exhilarating alpine adventures and cultural experiences, Switzerland promises a family vacation filled with discovery and wonder
Common childhood nutritional DEFICIENCIES
Growing children need a variety of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal physical growth and development and smooth function of the nervous system
Student Leadership at Sarala Birla Academy
Sarala Birla Academy (SBA) was set up with Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla's overarching vision of \"igniting minds and creating in the students a love of learning and continuous development, by making the learning process an enjoyable experience and by doing so, help develop a higher sense of self-esteem in the student and endeavour to equip the student with life skills that will place him first among his equals, when he steps out into the real world.\"
Sky-high demand for ASTRONOMERS
There's no dearth of employment opportunities for qualified astronomers in government organisations, research institutes, 40 planetaria across the country, observatories, museums, colleges and universities
Strategies to boost children's ACADEMIC MOTIVATION
My daughter is uninterested in her schoolwork and often procrastinates before completing it. Please share some strategies to motivate her academically.
Developing healthy SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS
What can you do if you think your teen already has unhealthy social media habits?
Financial literacy PRIMER FOR TEENS
Understanding how to manage money prudently enables adolescents not only to navigate the present but also equips them for long-term success
Importance of pursuing CREATIVE HOBBIES
Creative hobbies entail creative use of the mind, body and emotions. They enable flowering of a creative personality and growth of an individual who can offer something new and beautiful to themselves and the world
