Chetova N. Linguo-conceptual space of THE IMAGINARY in J.R.R.Tolkien's classical fantasy

This thesis focuses on revealing of the conceptual substance of English classical fantasy by means of the complex multiparadigmatic analysis presupposing the investigation of linguistic, pragmatic and cognitive properties of J.R.R Tolkien's literary works as poetic-cognitive form of realization of the imaginary and to the modeling of the linguo-conceptual space of THE IMAGINARY. The conceptual space of THE IMAGINARY is the highest level of abstraction of the imaginary in J.R.R.Tolkien's literary works. The conceptual space is composed of the literary concepts of the imaginary as mental formations reflecting J.R.R.Tolkien's perception and interpretation of the imaginary which is based on historical and cultural traditions as well as the peculiarities of the fantasy genre initiated by J.R.R.Tolkien. It has been proved that the conceptual space of THE IMAGINARY is the four-layer model represented by frames of the substantial layer, radar hierarchical charts of the intentional layer, а set of conceptual metaphors of the figuratively associative layer and а notional field structure of the notional layer. The systemic interrelation of the layers determines the contours of the conceptual space of THE IMAGINARY in J.R.R. Tolkien's works and makes it possible to reveal the all-human and author's individual implicated senses and define dominant senses among them. Key words: fantasy, cognitive-poetic analysis, the fantasic picture of the world, literary concept, conceptual space of THE IMAGINARY, frame, intentional attribute, conceptual metaphor, notional field.