Даль

The article deals with the semantic range of the «rumours» concept based on the Russian proverbs and sayings, collected by V. I. Dal and I. M. Snegiryov: the features, structure and content of rumours are analyzed. The subjects and objects of rumours are investigated. Also the connection between the «rumours» and «fame» is revealed.

In the article the proverbs and sayings applying to the categories of harmony and discord are analyzed. The basic semantic focuses related to these categories are singled out. The collection Proverbs of the Russian People by V. I. Dal has served as the main source of proverbs and sayings.

The article highlights the ways of more detailed comparison of the dual reality motif in the creative systems of Nikolay Gogol and Vladimir Dal. The key conclusions are made on the basis of the plot line and composition peculiarities of the texts, folklore symbolism and parallel review of the characters.