Sound Shape and Josip Stritar’s Narrative Prose

This article examines the role of sound in literary texts, focusing on how silent reading recreates sonic effects. The research discusses the question of whether sound-meaning links are inherent or conventional, ranging from Plato’s, Saussure’s, Peirce’s, and Jakobson’s points of view on the matter. In particular, sound symbolism and Jakobson’s poetic function highlight how phonetic literary tools can shape aesthetics in writing. An empirical analysis of selected Josip Stritar’s 19th-century novels reveals the author’s frequent use of onomatopoeia, alliteration, and rhythm to create evocative prose. In fact, though often associated with poetry, sound-based elements also enrich narrative texts in prose, suggesting specific atmospheres and emotional depth. These writing features showcase the complexity and importance of sound in literature.