The semantics of space in the novel «Crome yellow» by Aldous Huxley

Abstract

The article deals with the semantics of space in the novel «СromеYellow» by Aldous Huxley. The aim of the paper is to determine the content and functionality of spatial markers as meaningful components of the author’s conceptionof the artistic reality. Methods.The structural and semiotic works by Y.Lotman and V.Toporovserved as thetheoretical and methodological basis for the research. According to the scholars, the space is considered to be the model of the artistic world of the author, therefore the language of spatial relations isan important means of perception and comprehension of the artistic reality as its integral structure. The research refers toM.Heidegger’s doctrinewhich emphasizesthe existential nature of space, its ontological determination. That created the theoretical groundfor studying the artistic space in terms of versatile connectionsbetween man and his subject environment.Results.It is proved that the space continuum of the novel «Crome Yellow»is marked by the semantics of isolation and closeness, the key concepts of which are silence, emptiness, and static character. The article concludes that the intellectual and moral atmosphere of the post-war Britain marked by uncertainty, disappointment and despair are reflectedin the imageof the estate and its habitual intellectuals who spend time in meaningless conversations.Scientific novelty.For the first time the novel «Crome Yellow»by Aldous Huxley is analyzed through the prism of the spatial organization of the text in correlation between the characters and the objective world. Practical significance. The article is of great help for further study of Aldous Huxley’s creative heritage in the context of British and world literature. The results of the research can be used for writing course projects and qualification papers.