SEMANTICS AND PRAGMATICS OF THE INFINITIVE IN THE ARTISTIC DISCOURSE OF A. P. CHEKHOV

The article explores the functional potential of the infinitive within the context of A. P. Chekhov's idiostyle. Based on the author's drama and short prose, the role of the indefinite form of the verb is analyzed as a tool for creating psychological subtext (the "undercurrent"). The paper classifies the main types of infinitive constructions and identifies their modal meanings and pragmatic effects. Particular attention is paid to the infinitive's capacity for semantic compression and philosophical generalization, which correlates with Chekhov's principle of brevity.