An element in microcosm: understanding the poetic metaphor

Abstract

The article provides the literary analysis of poetic metaphors based on the structural-logical approach with metaphor considered the result of comparing or contrasting two notions. The importance of taking into account the individual closed-circuit poetic style is highlighted. Based on Vladimir Vinogradov’s grouping of symbols according to the means of their objectification, the examples of metaphors involving shifts in meaning are considered. The following cases are dealt with in detail: a symbol with an abstract meaning is included into the synonymous line with concrete meaning; an abstract symbol acquires concrete meaning due to the collocation with a concrete verb or noun; an abstract symbol acquires concrete meaning due to the usage of prepositions of location, often together with verb collocation. All theses are illustrated by authentic literary and poetry quotes.