Is Metaphor Always Just a “Condensed Plot”?

The article contains the results of the analysis of metaphors architectonics in fiction on the example of the story “Systema sobak” (‘Dogs System’) by V. Tokareva. The article begins with a brief presentation of the modern scientific paradigm which is defined as the post-non-classical one (according to V. S. Styopin) and as the stage of neopospositivism. The latter is characterized by holistic and integrative character. The article also mentions different approaches to the study of metaphor (tropic, interactive and cognitive) and specifically specifies the study of metaphor in connection with the artistic text. The aim of the analysis of Tokareva’s text was to identify “hidden” metaphors. The following research methods were used: textological, contextual, conceptual and combinatorial. The article on the specific material proves the need for a comprehensive approach of integrative nature and demonstrates the possibility of its application. The analysis made it possible to consider the surface metaphor reflected in the story title (LOVE is the “host – dog” relationship) and analyze its deployment in the text. It also allowed to reveal “hidden” metaphors: LOVE is height, LOVE is chemistry, LOVE is water, LOVE is light, LOVE is multicolor, brightness, beauty. The given metaphors implicitly presented in the text form the “general” metaphor of a “higher” level: LOVE is ELEMENT OF NATURE, NOT SUBJECT TO MAN. In the end, it is concluded that in the sphere of fiction metaphor is not only a “condensed plot”. It is also something that is not verbalized in the text but is there beyond the text being “dissolved” in the narration. It means that metaphor can also be considered as a “unfolded plot”, which is not always and not necessarily having a specific verbal embodiment in a certain text in the form of a (fixed) expression.