Article

Name: On the Generic Integrity of Zhukovsky’s Ballads: Role Specializations vs Motifs

Authors: Kirill V. Anisimov, Evgeniya E. Anisimova

Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation

Abstract:

The article examines basic structural constants of Zhukovsky’s ballads which are regarded as a canonic national version of this genre. The unchangeable distribution of three role specializations was distinguished as a typological core. As it is shown, personages of dissimilar types may be involved to perform on each single structural position among the three. These personages’ images may also be composed of dissimilar motifs which vary within a broad semantic range of potential choices. The article scrutinizes a fundamental principle of ballads’ composition – the dialogue-role triangle: force of universal World Order – mobile hero linked to this force and topographically and/or symbolically associated with the kingdom come – hero who makes a decisive choice.

Keywords: V. A. Zhukovsky, ballad, genre, motif, role specializations, character functions

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