TACTICS OF CHARACTERIZATION OF LEO TOLSTOY IN THE DIARIES OF SOPHIA TOLSTAYA

Abstract

The article considers Leo Tolstoy's identification tactics reflected in his wife Sophia's diaries for the period from 1862 to 1900. The aim has been achieved by using methods and techniques of continuous sampling of statements characterizing L. Tolstoy, discursive and pragmatic analysis, and propositional function. The paper establishes that reflections about the husband are the ones of the key topics in Sophia Tolstaya's diary. The analysis of the entries has revealed the following characterization tactics: high positive assessment of her husband's qualities, recognition of his exceptionalism; low assessment of his economic acumen; affirmation of Leo Tolstoy's efficiency, persistence, diligence as a writer, description of him as a man whose words do not meet the actions; as a man indifferent to his wife and family; as a self-serving, selfish, pragmatic man; inconsistent, contradictory, unstable, with rapidly changing moods; as a lover, a male; as an ambitious person. Sophia Andreyevna does not perceive him as a kindred spirit. She believes that she is interesting to her husband as a woman and as a meticulous performer of various tasks.