Material detail: the communicative functions of clothing items in depicting characters by Guy de Maupassant
Вещная деталь: говорящие функции предметов одежды в изображении персонажей Ги де Мопассана
Galay K.N. Ananyeva S.V.
2024RUDN University
RUDN Journal of Studies in Literature and Journalism
2024#29Issue 2270 - 277 pp.
The research delves into Guy de Maupassants narrative technique of character portrayal through the lens of Roland Barthes concept of “indexes”, focusing particularly on the significance of material details, especially clothing, in his novellas. The primary objective is to elucidate how clothing items serve as communicative tools in shaping characters in Maupassants works, thereby highlighting their cultural-historical, characterological, and symbolic functions. By analyzing the interplay between characters physical appearances, gestures, and attire, Maupassant effectively conveys their inner emotions and traits to the reader. Barthes notion of “indexes”, grounded in concrete elements like outward appearance and clothing, provides a theoretical framework for understanding the thematic distribution of these details, which range from physical attributes to sartorial choices, all of which contribute to character development. Ultimately, it is through such meticulous attention to detail that Maupassants characters become vivid and relatable to readers, enriching the narrative experience.
clothing , Guy de Maupassant , indices , material detail , materiality of clothing
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RUDN University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Institute of Literature and Art named after M.O. Auezova, Almaty, Kazakhstan
RUDN University
Institute of Literature and Art named after M.O. Auezova
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
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