Mythopoetic image of silver in the philosophical lyrics of Zoya Dudina

Within the framework of studying the poetics of modern Mari philosophical poetry, this article analyzes the mythopoetic image of silver in the lyrics of Zoya Dudina. Based on the compilation of poems “Kuanyshym, Kuem Ondal...” (joyful to hug a birch tree… (2012), the author determines the semantics and article functions of this image, which represents the philosophical view and perception of the world of the poetess that in a certain way characterizes the lyrical heroine. From such perspective, the lyrics of Zoya Dudina is examines for the first time. The research methodology employs structural-semantic analysis of the literary works, which allowed describing the structural-semantic aspects the image of silver, revealing the authorial concept of the world and man, as well as the character of the lyrical heroine. It is proven that the Mari poetess Zoya Dudina consistently refers to the image of silver in her lyrics. For the poetess, silver is not a precious metal, which attracts people as jewelry, it is a mythopoetic image, the semantics of which is interrelated with the traditional (pagan) culture of the Mari people. Most of the time, this image is depicted within the structure of the natural picture, and reflects the view and perception of the lyrical heroine; it impersonates natural purity, nobility, faithful love, strong friendship, good intentions, unity the of man, nature, and the traditions. It is also underlined that in the mythological context for the lyrical heroine, silver can even resemble the mood.