Contextual-Semantic and Linguopragmatic Factors in the Typologisation of Symbolic Literary Titles

Abstract: This article investigates the contextual-semantic and linguopragmatic factors underlying the typologisation of symbolic literary titles in British prose of the twentieth century. Three principal types are distinguished and theoretically substantiated: occasional, allusive, and syncretic symbolic titles. The study advances a three-member dynamic model of textual genesis (Word → Detail → Symbol) and demonstrates its validity through close analysis of John Galsworthy's megatext A Modern Comedy, comprising The White Monkey, The Silver Spoon, and Swan Song. The findings contribute to title linguistics and literary pragmatics at the anthropocentric-communicative stage of linguistic inquiry.