THE FUNCTIONAL-PRAGMATIC NATURE OF THE EPITHET IN LITERARY DISCOURSE
Keywords:
epithet, literary discourse, pragmatics, functional stylistics, evaluation, discourse analysis, expressive language.Abstract
This study examines the functional-pragmatic nature of the epithet in literary
discourse. Traditionally regarded as a stylistic ornament, the epithet is reinterpreted
here as a pragmatic unit that shapes evaluation, emotional intensity, and reader
perception. Drawing on functional stylistics and pragmatic theory, the article analyzes
epithets as discourse-level mechanisms contributing to implicit meaning construction.
The research employs qualitative discourse analysis of selected English literary texts.
The findings demonstrate that epithets function as evaluative markers, emotional
intensifiers, perspective-framing devices, and instruments of pragmatic influence. The
study expands the theoretical understanding of epithets within discourse-oriented and
pragmatic frameworks.
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