Comparative study of the texts on animals and on people in I. A Krylov’s fables

Abstract

This article is dedicated to comparison of the texts on animals and people in I. A. Krylov's fables in the context of formation of a holistic image of the world of the Russian people. The use of zoomorphic metaphor in the text is one of the means of verbalization of the cultural code. Zoomorphic nominations f in Krylov’s fables are universal metaphorical units of literary speech, since they translate the stereotypical representation of animal behavior and status of people. Animals are selected in accordance with the principle of affinity to the folk epic tale: the fable feature only the animals, the representations of were deeply entrenched in people’s perception, as well as codified in their worldview. The folk that are the characters of the fable usually belong to the lower social class, and thus do not have any rights or freedom of expression. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the establishment of the dominant method of metaphorical conveyance, as well as in determination of the difference in the use of zoomorphic symbols in creating the images and direct nomination of human characters. As a result, it is proven that through a variety of animalistic images, I. A. Krylov explicates the traits of the human character in all their diversity. The fables about people depict the Russian everyday life and traditions. Due to the broad historical context, prevalence of the characters, and depth of psychologism, the plotlines of the fables are timeless.