The characterizing function of proper names in the novel "In search of lost time" by Marcel Proust

In the article we analyse the «meaningful names» of the novel «In search of lost time» by Marcel Proust. An attempt was undertaken to group the proper names in the field of characterization. Special attention is paid to allusions caused by the internal form of the name. The component analysis allows to reveal associations with appellatives and the meaning of «talking names». Furthermore, we take into consideration the etymology of poetonyms and expressivity of suffixes. Four groups of proper names are singled out: 1) names marking nationality, 2) names, describing character, 3) names, describing characters in several aspects, 4) onyms, indirectly describing main characters.