TENDENCY IN USE OF EPONYMS BASED ON MODERN LITERARY NAMES

Abstract

Eponym is a real or mythical person, place, or thing after whom or which someone or something is, or is believed to be, named. They have long and interesting history and are widely used in scientific discourse; moreover some of them come from the names of literary characters or refer to popular compositions. Eponyms especially terms based on literary names arouse interest in science, deepen our knowledge and enrich vocabulary, thereby making our daily practice more humane.

The use of the name of a literary hero always evokes figurative associations that are reflected in the mental activity that determines human behavior. Over time, associative term formation not only does not stop, but is activated, which gives rise to a new layer of terms with “cultural” semantics that has not yet entered the dictionaries, reflecting the realities of today. Therefore, literary eponyms are illustrative paradigms of mutual and well-known influences that take place in scientific and social disciplines. In this article, we highlight some eponyms derived from literature touching on an almost unknown, but difficult corner of terminology and consider the characteristics of literary characters, the circumstances that led to their creation, and the reason and importance for their adaptation in scientific terminology.