LINGUOPOETIC FEATURES OF EPITHETS: A CASE STUDY OF SIMON ARMITAGE'S POETRY

This article is devoted to the study of the linguopoetic features of epithets in the works of contemporary British poet Simon Armitage. Based on selected poems from the collections The Unaccompanied (2017) and Sandettie Light Vessel Automatic (2019), the semantic and stylistic functions of epithets are analyzed, as well as their impact on the emotional depth and imagery of poetic texts. The research applies semantic, stylistic, and contextual analysis methods, along with a quantitative approach to classify epithets. The findings demonstrate that in Armitage’s poetry, epithets perform multifaceted functions such as expressing complex emotions, creating vivid imagery, and intensifying the emotional impact of the text. Special attention is paid to contrastive epithets, which highlight the dual nature of human feelings. The article underscores the significance of epithets as linguopoetic devices and opens up opportunities for further in-depth exploration of their functions in contemporary poetry.