Optatio


 * //__Optatio__//

**Definition::** Optatio is making an exclamation in the form of a wish.

Random examples of __optatio__:

1) Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day! 2) I wish my prince would come! I am sick of all these frogs! 3) Get out of here! I wish you would just leave me alone. This is my room!


 * An exclamation is often a mark of frustration, where our goals are not met and we are left wanting. It is but a small step to include in the exclamation either a full statement of what is wanted or perhaps just a hint of the wish.
 * This form can be useful in making a request of others, as an exclamation is often accepted as only a semi-voluntary thing at best and therefore may be forgiven.
 * Used for added emphasis

(Definition and bullet items are taken from changingminds.org)


 * Examples** from text:

1) We see an example of this device in "The Adventure of The Red Headed League." Jabez Wilson, a man with red hair, comes to ask for help from Holmes and Watson. He tells them that his young assistant, Vincent Spaulding, awhile ago had shown him, and wanted him to act on, a newspaper want-ad offering work to only red-headed male applicants. The quote below is in the conversation between Wilson and Spaulding.

“‘I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man."

2) The Company of Wolves Angela Carter The Bloody Chamber (1979) I wish I were a wolf again, to teach this whore a lesson!

3) Miss Henrietta Stralson, or, the Effects of Despair The Marquis de Sade (The Crimes of Love, 1881) '‘Oh my dear,’ said Henrietta, still very upset, when she saw him. ‘What powerful enemies we have in this accursed town! I wish we had never come here!’'

4) Leaf by Niggle JRR Tolkien (Dublin Review, 1939) “I wish I was more strong-minded!” he sometimes said to himself, meaning that he wished other people's troubles did not make him feel uncomfortable."

Kelli Holland ||