ON THE JUSTIFICATION OF THE TERM “MOTIF” IN UNDERSTANDING LYRICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

This article investigates the term «motif» within the context of philological analysis of lyrical discourse. The research aims to provide a philological interpretation and terminological systematisation of the concept of “motif” in the metalanguage of lyrical discourse, drawing upon lexicographical sources and theoretical advancements in the field of the phenomenon under study. Diverse definitions of “motif” are analyzed based on theoretical elaborations in a philological key, highlighting its polysemy and relative terminological vagueness, which complicates its application in linguistic terminology. Emphasis is placed on theoretical approaches to defining “motif,” particularly theoretical inquiries whose research confirms the conceptʼs definition in lexicographical references, but also distinguishes its multifaceted nature and, consequently, the challenges in formulating a single clear definition of the phenomenon as a recurring element in a literary text that can be expressed through images, symbols, actions, charactersʼ experiences, and situations. There is a common understanding that this recurring element is crucial for conveying the depth of the workʼs theme. The relevance of studying motifs in text linguistics lies in its ability to facilitate a deeper understanding of the thematic complexity of a poetic text, reveal the authorʼs linguistic toolkit, and assess its depth and artistic value. An understanding of “motif” broadens our perception of lyrical poetry, where language plays a dominant role in conveying emotions and experiences. The existing definitions are generalized, and a working definition of motif is formulated as a recurring symbol, idea, or image used in the text to emphasize a theme or create a specific emotional tone. The genesis of the term is traced from musicology to its conceptualization in literary studies by J. W. von Goethe. The contributions of contemporary researchers (Bribitzer-Stull, Young, Freedman, Abrams, Mikics) are analyzed, who underscore the importance of motif as an element contributing to thematic development, textual unity, emotional impact, and cognitive engagement of the reader, as well as its dynamic nature. It is concluded that “motif” is a dynamic element that can evolve and transform within the text-world of a literary work. It serves as an essential tool for the poet in creating the emotional landscape of a poem and deepening its exploration of the central idea