LISTING AS A DESCRIPTIVE MEANS IN «VOYAGE BEYOND THREE SEAS» OF AFANASY NIKITIN: THEME AND STRUCTURE

Abstract

The article examines listing as an important, characteristic and text-forming device of Afanasy Nikitin's «Voyage Beyond Three Seas». In this text the listing has its own special characteristics both at the level of content, themes, and at the level of structure. In both cases it is represented by a rich variety of constituent elements. The themes in the work, with all their diversity and richness, can be divided into two groups: a description of the physical and spiritual world. The scholarly literature on the «Voyage» has noted this division. We consider the coexistence of these topics in a single context, the features of their implementation. Regarding the grammatical structure of listing we address such aspects as the simplicity and complexity of constructions, the absence and presence of distribution, the presence of elements and lacunarity, etc., as well as the lexical content and functioning of lexical oppositions – repetition of words, replacement with synonyms, repetition of roots, use antonymy. Externally the features of listing come down to the length and brevity of the series. These are enumeration with homogeneous members and with a subordinate sentence in their composition, with quantitative characteristics in the form of numbers and with generalizing words «many», «a little», listing's that tend to lengthen the series with a maximum reduction of species and listing's ending with a generalizing word. Such syntax of the text speaks about the psychological characteristics of the author. In general he is characterized by attentiveness of gaze, vigilance, good memory, responsibility, curiosity, but the syntax, which is different in paceand intensity, speaks of his different emotional and moral states: different attitudes towards the objects described, internal tabooing of oneself during descriptions, surprise, admiration, joy, sadness. Those any of our observations of the monument lead to a psychological and ideological conversation about it. This always characterizes good and deep literature. The diversity and depth of the elements presented in the listing reveals the consistency of this technique in «Voyage», the importance of its role in constructing the content, rhythm and poetics of this text.

Extended abstract:

This article examines the use of listing as a significant, characteristic, and text-forming device in Afanasy Nikitin’s *Voyage Beyond Three Seas*. In this work, listing exhibits unique features at both the content and structural levels, characterized by a rich variety of constituent elements. Thematically, the text can be divided into two broad groups: descriptions of the physical world and reflections on the spiritual world. While this division has been noted in scholarly literature, this study focuses on the coexistence of these themes within a single context and the specific ways in which they are realized.

At the grammatical level, the analysis addresses various aspects of listing, including the simplicity and complexity of constructions, the presence or absence of distribution, the inclusion or omission of elements (lacunarity), and the lexical content of the lists. Special attention is given to lexical oppositions, such as the repetition of words, the use of synonyms, the repetition of roots, and the employment of antonymy. Externally, the features of listing manifest in the length and brevity of the series. These include enumerations with homogeneous members, subordinate clauses, quantitative characteristics (numbers), and generalizing words like “many” or “a little.” Some lists tend to extend the series while minimizing specificity, while others conclude with a summarizing word.

The syntactic structure of the text reveals psychological insights into the author. Nikitin’s writing demonstrates attentiveness, vigilance, a strong memory, a sense of responsibility, and curiosity. However, the varying pace and intensity of the syntax also reflect his shifting emotional and moral states: differing attitudes toward the objects described, moments of self-restraint, surprise, admiration, joy, and sadness. These observations invite a psychological and ideological interpretation of the text, a hallmark of profound and meaningful literature.

The diversity and depth of the elements presented through listing underscore its consistency as a technique in *Voyage Beyond Three Seas* and its crucial role in shaping the content, rhythm, and poetics of the text. Early scholars of the *Voyage* noted Nikitin’s inquisitiveness, erudition, and keen observational skills. These traits are implicitly reflected in the abundance of facts and details within the text, a defining feature of the work. This factual richness is identified as the core of the monument, encompassing its content, style, structure, psychology, worldview, and even philosophical underpinnings. The figure of listing, as we term it, serves as the primary means of expressing this richness.

The article identifies several key grammatical models of listing in the text:
1. Homogeneous members of a sentence – compound sentences.
2. Sentences with the conjunction “a” – used in both connecting and adversative meanings.
3. Listing with numerical figures– contrasted with listing using descriptive vocabulary.
4. Listing with extensions or appositions – contrasted with listing without extensions.
5. Listing without generalization – contrasted with listing that includes generalizations or summaries (e.g., “all,” “many,” “few”).
6. Listing versus its absence – the presence or lacuna of enumeration.

This series of models can be further expanded, reflecting the versatility and complexity of listing as a textual device. Through this analysis, the study highlights how listing not only structures the text but also conveys the author’s worldview, emotional states, and philosophical reflections. By examining the interplay of thematic content, grammatical structure, and psychological depth, the article offers a comprehensive understanding of the role of listing in *Voyage Beyond Three Seas*, affirming its significance as a literary and cultural monument.