N. S. Leskov’s Linguistic View on Assessment of A. N. Ostrovsky’s Plays

Abstract

Aim. We identify and consider the specifics of the language means of the cycle of N. S. Leskov’s critical publications “Russian Drama Theater in St. Petersburg,” characterizing the work of A. N. Ostrovsky, including the drama “Abyss”.
Methodology. A model of the individual-author’s presentation of theatrical plays and productions is developed based on the descriptive-analytical method. Use is also made of stylistic-functional-contextological and linguoculturological methods, which are significant.
Results. The corpus of linguistic units as a means of predication in paradigmatics and syntagmatics is revealed, which is used to evaluate the plays of A. N. Ostrovsky, representing the approach of N. S. Leskov to the theater as an intellectual and cultural source.
Research implications. The study and description of lexical units in these works by N. S. Leskov make it possible to reveal an individual-author’s approach to one of the most prominent Russian playwrights and his drama “Abyss,” in particular. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility of using materials and conclusions in teaching the stylistics of the Russian language, the language of fiction, and in the possibility of using the results to describe individual author’s concept spheres