Shakespearean Eptonyms of Biblical Origin

Abstract

The article considers the issue of understanding the nature of eptonyms (phraseological units that are implicitly connected to the author who coined them, have deep meaning and recognizable character) in the plays of Shakespeare. The purpose of the research is in giving insight into the semantic-structural process of eptonymization and explaining how the transformed phraseological units become intertextual elements with double character (express the author’s individual concept and simultaneously have the reference to the Bible). The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is the pragmastylistic and discursive paradigm. The method of double application proposed by L. P. Diadechko enabled the trace of eptonym coining. The findings suggest that some phraseological units of biblical origin become eptonyms through the process of derivation and modulation, employing the strategies of adaptation, addition or omission, substitution of some components, contamination of several phraseological units. Shakespeare’s deep knowledge of the Scripture enabled him to make use of biblicisms in his writing to actualize the emotional, aesthetic, and thematic richness of his works. Further application of the research outcomes is promising for investigating the Shakespearean eptonyms of ancient origin.