What is the epithet in the literature: questions and answers

Epithet - in Greek "attach", "add". It can be a single word, a combination of them, or an entire expression. The answer to the question of what an epithet is in the literature lies on the surface. This word is used to give colorful saturation or an additional semantic hue to phrases and sentences. It is often used in poetry, because the poetic form of expression requires grace. However, prose writers often use the epithet as a reliable tool for giving their works an artistic appeal. In most cases, it is used in the form of an adjective or adverb. The organic combination of epithets with surrounding words can turn a simple narrative into a work of literary art.

What is the epithet in literature? The opinions of scholars-philologists concerning its belonging, place in the linguistic space are ambiguous. Some believe that epitheton ornans are purely aesthetic in nature and are used for decoration. Others believe that their meaning is much broader. Their use allows you to radically change the semantic orientation of the text, for example, add drama. Separate words-epithets, examples of which are in any literary work, can be logically arranged or placed chaotically. There are among the writers and supporters of verbal gymnastics. They epithets are used in unreasonable amounts. In this case, the literary admission as such is profaned.

Russian writer Vladimir Soloukhin gave his answer to the question of what an epithet is in literature. He described it, calling it "the clothes of the word." It is better not to say, it is clothes, or simply elegant, or festive, decorate people as well as words. And as far as it will be beautiful, depends on tailors and from masters of literary art. Poorly dressed people do not attract attention, pass by without turning around. Another thing - a camisole, embroidered with gold threads, - do not tear off the eye, I want to touch the warm velvet, touch the brains. The same and with the words: we read and reread the ornate, figurative expressions, we try to understand the depth of the author's thoughts. And he takes them further and further.

Epithets can be direct and indirect. "Slender birch" - here the epithet is not present. If you say "stately birch", it already exists. Why? In the first case, the adjective "slender" is not surprising, ordinary. The tree is straight and slender. But the phrase "birch statue" introduces the definition of the character of a noble plant. We represent pride as a feature of his character. Hence the stately posture, hence the "stately birch". The tree became animated, and we are already ready to talk with him, to talk. And this magic happened because the epithet was applied. Examples from the literature which can be continued. If it says "babbling brook", there is no epithet, "sobbing stream" - it is obvious. "Pink Dawn" - without any signs of an epithet, "the flaming dawn" - it is. "Golden Woman" is a woman with a remarkable character, he is again present.

There is an expression "... and led under the white little hands ...". It is clear that the little hands are not white, most likely, they were rough hands of the bully, led by the guards of order. However, the immutable imagery of the narrative depicts a virtuous picture of an almost sacred action. The main purpose of this word is realized - to beautify, ennoble, to give charm. So, what is an epithet in literature is understandable. He gives birth to a literary masterpiece.