What use of the accusative is found in phrases like "Mē miserum" and "Ecce mē"?

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The phrase "Mē miserum" translates to "Me wretched" and "Ecce mē" translates to "Behold me." In these constructions, the accusative case is employed to convey a strong emotional response or exclamatory statement about the subject being addressed. This usage falls under the category of the accusative of exclamation, where the accusative case intensifies the expression of emotion or sentiment, rather than serving a grammatical function such as a direct object or indicating time.

In "Mē miserum," the speaker is exclaiming about their own state of misery, and in "Ecce mē," the speaker commands attention, calling out for someone to behold them. This use of the accusative highlights the emotional aspect of the phrases rather than a grammatical relationship typically seen with direct objects or specifications of time or destination.

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