SEMIOTICS OF FAMILY VERTICALITY: TEACHER AND DISCIPLE IN THE NOVELS THE MASTER AND MARGARITA AND JOURNEY TO THE WEST BASED ON LOTMAN'S THEORY

Yang Yiarui

The article conducts a comparative analysis of the representation of hierarchical relationships in the novels of Mikhail Bulgakov and Wu Cheng'en through the lens of Yuri M. Lotman's semiotic theory. Using the pairs "Master–Ivan" and "Tang Seng–Sun Wukong" as material, it identifies universal patterns of encoding power (the sacralization of text) and culturally specific differences.

Keywords:Yuri M. Lotman, semiotics, hierarchy, The Master and Margarita, Journey to the West, cultural codes