THE MANIFESTATION OF LINGUISTIC MASTERY IN THE KNIGHT IN THE PANTHER’S SKIN: THE ROLE OF THE POSTPOSITIONAL SUFFIX IN THE FORMATION OF RHYTHMIC STRUCTURE

Mariam Tsikaridze

Mariam Tsikaridze Invited expert of Gori State University, Gori, chavchavadze st.,#53, 1400, Georgia Doctoral student at the Faculty of philology of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Ilia tchavtchavadze Ave, Building 3, 11b, Georgia http://orcid.org/0009-0004-1724-1449

Abstract

This paper explores the linguistic structure of Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, focusing specifically on the relationship between suffixation (savrtstobi) and rhyme. The research identifies and analyzes instances where suffixation serves a grammatical function and where it is employed solely for the purposes of rhyme and metrical consistency. Particular attention is given to the poem’s strict metrical scheme and the impact it has on linguistic forms. Through close textual analysis, the study reveals that Rustaveli skillfully preserved or adapted grammatical norms to achieve poetic effect. This research highlights the dynamic interplay between linguistic form and poetic content in The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, demonstrating how the flexible use of suffixation contributes to the poem’s aesthetic harmony and stylistic refinement.

Kay words: Rhyme, Scope, Poem, Analysis, Linguistic analysis.