LINGUOPOETICS OF EPITHET IN O. HENRY’S SHORT STORIES

It is common knowledge that reading literature in the proper sense of the word is rather difficult as it presupposes the ability of the reader not to confine one’s perception to what can be seen on the surface of the text only. The reader’s ability to go deep into the text and reveal the intention of the writer is of prime importance. Many prominent philologists in different countries have referred to this question, and their investigations have established that the real understanding of a piece of verbal creativity is a step by step process and can be achieved only gradually. This, in fact, is the underlying methodological basis of the present research which aims at studying the use of epithets in O. Henry’s short stories and their role in the linguopoetic organization of the stories. Of particular investigative interest have turned out to be "The Last Leaf" and "The Gift of Magi".