ONOMASTICS AND ITS ROLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHARACTERS AND THEMES IN RUSSIAN LITERATURE: EXAMPLES FROM PUSHKIN, TOLSTOY AND DOSTOEVSKY

Abstract. This paper proposes to analyse how the names of characters in the works of classic Russian literature influence the perception of their characters and themes. Examples of different names, their meanings and associations, and how they correlate with the fates and inner conflicts of the characters are examined. Authors such as Alexander Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky are mentioned and specific examples from their works are given.

Keywords: onomastics, symbolism, names, surnames, psychology, interpretation, conflict.

Onomastics is considered as a linguistic science, which deals with the study of the essence of proper names, their functional specificity, origin, development and connection with all levels, or tiers of language, the theoretical and practical significance of onomastic science itself, as well as its links with other sciences [3, 531]. In literature, it is of particular importance as an important tool that helps to deepen understanding of characters and themes.

The names of characters often contain information about their personalities, social status, and even predetermine their fates. Thus, analysing names allows the reader to better understand the psychological aspects of the characters. Authors often choose names that emphasise the conflict or internal struggle of a character, which gives the text additional depth [2].

In addition, the use of historical, mythological or cultural allusions in names creates a certain context that deepens the perception of the work. Such names help to reflect the era, nationality or social realities in which the events unfold. Onomastics also allows for the creation of images and symbols, as names can not only denote characters but also serve as symbols, evoking certain associations and adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

The method of comparison and contrast between character names emphasises the conflicts and themes of the work, and reveals the contradictions between the characters, increasing dramatic tension. The emotional and psychological load of names gives the reader a certain impression of the character before he or she even begins to appear in the action. This is especially effective in genres based on deep internal conflicts and mystery.

A character's name in literature can serve as an important symbol that not only designates the character but also conveys many additional meanings. In most cases, authors choose names with meaningful connotations, which allows for a deeper understanding of the characters' personal qualities and inner world. For example, a name may reflect character traits such as strength, weakness, kindness, or anger, allowing the reader to immediately get an idea of who they are dealing with [1].

A character's social status can also be emphasised through their name. Names common among certain walks of life or different cultures become markers of sorts, making it clear to which class, culture or era the character belongs. This helps the reader to become more aware of the context in which the action takes place and generates interest in the social dynamics within the work [1].

A character's role in a story is also often defined by his or her name. Important or iconic names can indicate his or her function in the story, whether as a hero, antagonist, or minor character. This approach not only helps to structure the narrative, but also infuses it with additional meanings where the name becomes part of the overall composition [4].

The name of a character in the literary works of great Russian writers such as Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky serves as an important link for understanding the ideals, personal tragedies and psychological aspects of their characters.

In Alexander Pushkin's Eugene Onegin, the name Eugene becomes a personification of romantic ideals. It evokes associations with nobility, striving for freedom and at the same time with inner emptiness. The main conflict of the hero, his disillusionment with romantic dreams and his search for the meaning of life, is strongly linked to his name, which emphasises the tragedy of Eugene, who is trapped in his own expectations and social norms.

Leo Tolstoy in War and Peace also actively uses the naming of characters, which contributes to their in-depth perception. The names of such characters as Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky are filled with meanings reflecting their personal and social aspects. Pierre, with his unusual name, symbolises his search for his place in the world, his quest for truth and understanding, while Andrei's name is associated with a longing for heroism and at the same time with inner torment. This approach to the creation of names reinforces the multi-layered nature of the characters and helps the reader to see their inner struggles against the backdrop of historical events.

In Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, the names of the characters become key to understanding their psychological state. The protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov, whose name refers to the concept of schism and contradiction within himself, illustrates a deep inner conflict and struggle between morality and ambition. Through the name, the author penetrates into the character's psychology, demonstrating his inner contradictions and his desire to justify his actions.

Thus, in the works of Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, names do not simply fulfil the function of designating characters, but act as powerful symbols reflecting romantic ideals, social status and deep psychology of the characters. Analysing names in the context of these works allows the reader to understand more fully the inner world of the characters and the transformations they experience against the background of the plot.

Also, in literature, the names and surnames of characters often act not only as designations, but also as metaphors, capable of conveying deeper themes and motifs of works. Onomastics in this context becomes an integral part of the author's symbolic language, which helps to create a multilayered meaning.

For example, in Pushkin's works, the name Eugene not only reflects romantic ideals, but also serves as an allusion to the broader theme of the search for the meaning of life and inner freedom. His connection to his ideals contrasts with the reality in which he finds himself, which emphasises the tragic nature of his existence. This approach to naming allows the main theme of the work - the contradiction between high aspiration and ordinariness - to be visualised.

Leo Tolstoy in his epic ‘War and Peace’ also masterfully uses the surnames of the characters as metaphors. For example, Bezukhov's surname, which symbolises unattachment to material goods and the search for true value in life, helps to emphasise Pierre's main goal. Tolstoy creates not only individual portraits of the characters, but also shows them in the context of historical and social realities, linking their names and surnames to profound philosophical questions about war, peace, and human destiny.

Dostoevsky, for his part, uses names and surnames very subtly in Crime and Punishment to emphasise the psychological states of his characters. For example, Raskolnikov's surname indicates his split personality and inner contradictions. This name becomes a symbol of his search for justice and his path to self-discovery, reflecting the common themes of guilt and redemption that permeate the entire work. Dostoevsky masterfully shows how names can not only denote characters, but also serve as a key to understanding their inner world and deep motives.

It is worth noting that in literature, first and last names have a multi-layered metaphorical significance. They not only identify characters, but also express deeper themes and ideas, linking them to the very context of the work. Understanding onomastics as metaphor helps readers deepen their analysis of the text and reveal the complex emotions and conflicts that underlie each image.

Onomastics in Russian literature occupies a central place in the creation of multi-layered and profound images, which makes it an integral part of the procedural and semantic perception of texts. Names and surnames in the works of such great authors as Pushkin, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky do not simply fulfil the function of designating characters, but become symbols, metaphors and allusions reflecting their inner conflicts, social status and philosophical ideas.

In each of the works considered, names give the reader the opportunity to penetrate into the psychology of the characters, to understand their aspirations and contradictions, and to feel the context in which they act. The name Eugene in Pushkin's work represents romantic ideals and their tragic consequences, while Tolstoy's surnames emphasise the social and philosophical aspects of his characters' lives, and Dostoevsky's Raskolnikov becomes a symbol of the internal struggle between good and evil.

Thus, the significance of onomastics in Russian literature lies in its ability to enrich the text, deepen interpretation, and evoke deeper emotional and intellectual responses in the reader. Understanding the names and surnames at the centre of literary works opens up new horizons for analysis and allows us to see how authors convey their ideas, conflicts and aspirations through this significant detail. Onomastics becomes a link between the characters and the reader, making reading a fascinating journey into the world of human emotions and relationships.