The regional specific features of phytoimages in the works by the Primorye writer Mikhail Demenok

Abstract

The article examines the functional-semantic peculiarities of the multi-level representation of comparative constructions that include phytoimages obtained from the works by the Primorye prose author Mikhail Stepanovich Demenok’s (1937–2016). The study aims to describe the regional specific features, semantic peculiarities and functions of figurative comparative constructions (similes) used in the Far Eastern naturalist writer’s works. The research was performed within the framework of functional stylistics. It relies on the cognitive approach to simile as a significant component of the artistic and poetic picture of the world that reflects the writer’s language personality. The obtained results demonstrate that phytoimages in Mikhail Demenok’s prose are represented by three main paradigms: "a plant – a human", "a plant – an animal", "a plant – things and structures created by man". The metaphorical model ginseng – a human, figurative convergence of trees and endemic animals of Primorye (a gnarl on a birch – a tiger, branches – a Manchurian wapiti’s antlers), comparing taiga to the ocean (a tree – a coral, a liana – an octopus) are regional in nature. The simile images that are based on the writer’s individual associations are semantically and stylistically charged in the text. They perform the perceptual-figurative, expressive, emotional-evaluative, and aesthetic functions. The impact of ethnocultural stereotypes can be traced in the principles of using such simile images. Along with similes with comparison words (i. e. with syndetic coordination), which ensure that the phytoimages are vivid and realistic, Mikhail Demenok employs in his works other figurative comparative constructions with a high degree of figurative concretisation. These include the instrumental of comparison, the genitive metaphor, metaphorical appositions, and other linguistic means. The research results make it possible to conclude that phytoimages fully reveal the naturalist writer’s artistic-poetic picture of the world in which man and nature are inextricably linked, are in perfect harmony.