Словесная реальность в «Смерти Тарелкина» А. В. Сухово-Кобылина - Человек перед лицом Абсурда

A Study on Linguistic reality in A. Sukhovo-Kobylin’s play, «The Death of Tarelkin» - Man facing absurdity

This thesis discusses linguistic analysis of characters in Sukhovo-Kobylin’s last play, “The Death of Tarelkin”. The author required in his memo that the actors to have a firm perception of “word” when reading the play. In this paper, we will analyze the significant nature of theatrical lines, and identify the nature of the problems such words contain. Words show that the characteristics are defined according to the speaker’s status in the play. We define this as ‘Linguistic Reality’ in this paper. Linguistic reality, instead of words not containing within context like the cultural relationship, literally intrudes and replaces the reality. This very power originates from the ‘language’ of his authority. As such, the counterparty changes as the authority demands, and are recognized by the others. Along with the ‘linguistic reality’ which suppresses and overwhelms the given world, the author discloses the relationship between characters through ‘idioms’ and ‘puns’ as a tool for satire and ridicule of society. This is nothing but the hierarchical reality between characters the author depicts. As such, this embodiment of idiomatic representation pursues satirical goals, and puns create absurdity in totalitarian societies. Sukhovo-Kobylin’s reveal of the reality of Russia in the 19th century is a mirror that predicts the image of Soviet society in the 20th century.