Abstract

The paper aims to show the role of proper names in defining the novel Sorsod Borsod [‘Borsod is Your Fate’] as a regional crime novel. A further objective is to demonstrate how proper names are used to connect the text of this literary work to the elements of reality and to examine the role played by the reader’s competence in naming practices when distinguishing between fictional and real-life names. The paper provides a brief overview of the source text, outlining the genre-specific characteristics of regional crime fiction. It presents the framework in which the proper names of the novel are analysed. Then, it examines the relationship between the fictional names and the genre-specific characteristics of the novel (representations of topographical features, stereotypes, local spaces and persons). The comprehensive analysis of names encompasses place names, institutional names, personal names, animal names, and other types of names of the region depicted in this crime fiction. The paper examines the presence of ethno-stereotypes in personal names and suggests that proper names may serve as regional labels. The analysis concludes that the novel is dominated by fictional place names that link the textual world to the real world. Moreover, a significant proportion of the surnames in the novel are fictional names reflecting the settlement names of the real-world region. The author has clearly made an effort to follow real-world name patterns in all types of names. The paper states that proper names in this work play an important role in building up the genre of the regional crime novel, as they contribute to the representation of regional particularities rather than to the plot, period or characterisation in the novel.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.