Abstract
The unique artistic world in the poetic cycle «The View from the Hill» by Joseph Brodsky, which includes 14 poems, is formed by the categories of «time» and «memory», which are interconnected and permeate all the lyrical works of the cycle. The analysis of lexical units, metaphors and symbols allows us to reveal the deep philosophical meaning of the cycle, dedicated to the theme of human existence in the context of the infinity of time and space. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that, despite the significant volume of scientific publications devoted to the work of Brodsky, this cycle of poems has not yet been studied as thoroughly as his other poetic works.
Time and memory exist in the poems in dialectical unity, having their own embodiment in specific images, memories and experiences of the lyrical hero. With the help of poetic language, Brodsky depicts the inextricable connection of time and memory. In the analyzed cycle, time and memory are presented not as linear sequences, but as complex, multi-layered categories that constantly interact and intertwine.
Lexical and semantic analysis based on linguistic means and their semantic content allowed us to identify the specifics of the author's interpretation of these categories in their interrelation. Particular attention is paid to the techniques of creating a non-linear, subjective perception of time and a fragmentary, reconstructing picture of memory. Time is often characterized by multi-layeredness, which is reflected in the combination of time layers in Brodsky's lyrics. The poet often uses recurring images, motifs and themes to show the cyclical nature of time, and also uses metaphorical ideas about time, which are expressed in images of nature. The theme of memory is revealed by the author as a subjective, fragmentary process, which is emphasized by the context of the poetic texts. The poetic cycle creates a sense of the transient nature of time and the long-lasting power of memory. Even when time erases the past, memory continues to shape the present.
Keywords
Joseph Brodsky, “The View from the Hill”, poetry cycle, categories, time, memory, lexical and semantic analysis.