Article

Name: Numeral Semiotics in L. V. Leonov’s Narrative «Acts of Azelezivon» («Deyaniya Azlazivona»): Sourses and Semantics

Authors: Nepomnyaschikh N. А.

In the section Analysis of the Plot

Abstract: Numeral semiotics is of great importance in L. M. Leonov’s works. Numerical symbolism in the narrative «Acts of Azelezivon» («Deyaniya Azlazivona») is present at different levels. It is important for the composition that the significant events are thrice-repeated. The threefold design is present in the whole narrative and in its separate episodes. The dates of the folk and church calendars serve as links helping to switch from one event to another with ease. However, the dates are marked with the meaning of the holiday they indicate or with the names of the relevant saints. The semantics of number 3 is discussed in detail. The threefold structure of the composition determines the sequence of the events in the narrative. The sources of such composition are mythology, folklore, fairy-tale, and incantation traditions. The text is also steeped in the copious Christian symbolism. The numbers play the role of universals which give to a common single instance the eternal and recurring

Keywords: numeral semiotics, l. m. leonov’s works, russian literature of xx century.

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