The code of «loneliness» in lyric poetry (based on the poems of Goethe, Lermontov, and Abay)

Abstract

The article examines the concept of «loneliness» in poetry as a code and takes into account the poetic and semiotic meaning of the phenomenon of loneliness. Research in this area was carried out by analyzing the works of the outstanding representative of German poetry, J.W. Goethe, the greatest figure of Russian litera- ture of the Romantic era, M.Y. Lermontov, and the classic of Kazakh poetry, Abay Kunanbayevich. The im- portant role of philosophical and lyrical images in the study of the concept of «loneliness» in the poems of these poets is explained. By revealing the place of loneliness as an artistic code in poetry, it is shown that it has universal meaning. It is argued that this concept is not simply inherent in a particular era or culture, but rather reflects the common spiritual experience of humanity. In lyric poetry, it can be seen that through the concept of loneliness, true being, inner experiences, and spiritual searches of the individual are demonstrated. It is concluded that loneliness is not only one of the eternal themes of poetry, but also the key to human spir- itual perfection. It has been established that loneliness in the poems of Goethe, Lermontov, and Abay as a code lies at the heart of artistic representation. The relationships and contradictions between the inner spiritu- al world of each poet and the social situation of that era are also differentiated. Literary-theoretical conclu- sions are reached through comparative analysis and structural-semiotic study. It is established that loneliness, as a code in the poetry of Goethe, Lermontov, and Abai, occupies a central place in artistic representation. The connections and contradictions between each poet’s inner world and the social circumstances of their re- spective epochs are also analyzed. Through comparative and structural-semiotic analysis, literary and theoret- ical conclusions are formulated. The authors emphasize that the category of loneliness manifests itself differ- ently in each poet’s work, yet overall serves as a universal spiritual experience that reveals the human inner world. The study demonstrates that loneliness functions as an important artistic mechanism that contributes to the disclosure of the anthropological and spiritual dimensions of human existence. Its role as a poetic code is substantiated through concrete examples. In Goethe’s lyric poetry, loneliness is interpreted as an inner strug- gle and a spiritual quest, which correspond to the aesthetics of Romanticism. From the standpoint of romantic aesthetics, loneliness provides an opportunity for creative self-exploration, for seeking harmony with nature, and for distancing oneself from society. The poet assigns particular importance to images of longing and the loss of harmony with the world. Thus, loneliness in Goethe’s poetry reflects the search for the personal «self» and the conflict between the individual and social expectations. In Lermontov’s poetry, loneliness appears as a condition associated with the loss of inner freedom. His lyrical heroes find themselves in a state of internal discord-confronting society, fate, and even themselves. This loneliness has a tragic dimension and reveals the existential journey of the individual in the search for meaning. For Lermontov, it constitutes an artistic image of a freedom-loving spirit and a refusal to reconcile with social norms. In Abai’s work, loneliness is interpret-ed as a spiritual experience aimed at deep reflection on one’s own being and liberation from illusion. In his
lyric poetry, loneliness represents a conscious choice associated with the pursuit of truth and moral self- improvement. It acquires the character of intellectual reflection, correlating with elements of Sufi worldview and expressing the poet’s response to social injustice. The article substantiates the artistic function of the phe-nomenon of loneliness in the poetry of the three poets and theoretically defines its position as a universal poetic code.