Interpretation of the Female Image in the Works of Cho‘lpon and Hamza 

Hamida Nazarova Teacher of Uzbek Language and Literature Scientific Supervisor: Normat Yo‘ldoshev 

If we look at the works of Abdulhamid Cho‘lpon, we can see the richness and diversity of his creativity. His depictions of nature and human emotions attract every reader deeply. Cho‘lpon wrote poems and stories about topics connected with every person’s life. His novel “Night and Day” and many other stories reflect important social and moral issues. 

Cho‘lpon especially described the difficult condition of Uzbek women of that period, the injustice and humiliation they faced, and society’s silence toward such oppression. In many of his works women are insulted, oppressed, and treated unfairly. Fathers often looked at their daughters as objects and sacrificed them for their own interests or reputation. This shows how tragic the condition of women was at that time. 

One of the brightest examples is the novel “Night and Day.” In this work Cho‘lpon truthfully portrays characters such as the innocent and simple Zebi and Qurvonbibi, whose life passes in darkness because of ignorance and oppression. 

Zebi is an Uzbek girl who completely submits herself to the environment around her. The writer presents her naturally, without exaggeration. Like Qurvonbibi, she spends her whole life within four walls. Although she has no education or special knowledge, her innocence and simplicity make the reader admire her. 

Throughout the novel Zebi experiences many hardships. Fate punishes her mercilessly for crimes she never committed. However, despite all the suffering, her inner purity and moral beauty never change. In many literary works heroes grow and change over time, but Zebi remains the same innocent and sincere girl from beginning to end. Her suffering only increases, yet her spiritual beauty becomes even stronger. 

When imagining Zebi, one sees a modest, innocent, and honorable Uzbek girl. She does not know deceit, trickery, or rebellion. She accepts injustice silently and represents the traditional image of an Uzbek woman of that era. 

During the same period Hamza Hakimzoda Niyoziy was also creating literary works. The themes in Cho‘lpon and Hamza’s works are very similar: criticism of ignorance, encouragement of enlightenment, and love for the nation and homeland. While Cho‘lpon described the suffering of oppressed women, Hamza encouraged women to become educated and enlightened, to free themselves from ignorance and darkness. 

In his poems Hamza wrote: 

“The time has come to reveal yourself, Break your chains and scatter them everywhere.” In the novel “New Happiness” he encourages people to seek knowledge and education:

“Study and gain knowledge, Drink from the fountain of enlightenment, Free your tongue from ignorance, Live with concern for your nation.” 

In Cho‘lpon’s works women suffer physically and spiritually, while in Hamza’s works women struggle for their freedom and dignity. In the drama “Poisonous Life or Victims of Love,” the heroine Maryam refuses to accept injustice and even chooses death instead of surrendering to oppression. 

Maryam and Mahmud are educated young people who dream of bringing enlightenment to society. Maryam especially believes that women and men together should guide the nation from darkness toward light. However, the conservative environment destroys their dreams, and in the end they sacrifice themselves as a form of protest against the unjust system. 

Cho‘lpon’s stories such as “Tulip in the Snow,” “Breakfast,” “The Baker’s Daughter,” and “In Moonlit Nights” also reveal the patience, sincerity, and simplicity of Uzbek women. In “Tulip in the Snow,” the fate of the young girl Sharofatxon resembles the tragic fate of Maryam. She is forced to marry an old religious leader against her will. 

Unlike Maryam, Sharofatxon does not resist injustice. She obeys her parents and submits to destiny. This difference can be explained by education and awareness. Maryam becomes educated and develops her worldview, while Sharofatxon remains powerless because of ignorance and lack of opportunity. 

The title “Tulip in the Snow” itself carries symbolic meaning. The tulip symbolizes a young girl in the spring of her life, while snow symbolizes coldness, old age, and tragedy. The story criticizes a society in which young girls are sacrificed to old men in the name of tradition and blind respect. 

The image of the old Eshon creates strong anger in the reader. Even though he is very old, society praises him when he takes the young bride. This demonstrates the deep ignorance and injustice of that period. 

A father giving away his daughter like an object naturally creates hatred toward such behavior. Girls, just like boys, have the right to happiness, freedom, and a meaningful life. The reason for such oppression was ignorance and lack of education. 

Education and morality play an important role in human life. An educated person can resist cruelty and protect oppressed people. Unfortunately, in the past many people had no opportunity to receive education, while wealthy people spent their money on pleasure instead of knowledge. Ignorance brought selfishness, cruelty, and indifference, which became the main causes of women’s suffering. 

References: 1. Qosimov B., Yusupov Sh., Dolimov U., Rizayev Sh., Ahmedov S. Uzbek Literature of the National Awakening Period. 2. Sultonxo‘jayeva Sh. The Skill of Creating Characters in Cho‘lpon’s Stories. 3. Haqqul Ibrohim. Two Articles about Cho‘lpon. 4. Cho‘lpon A. Night and Day. 5. Niyoziy H. Poems for Uzbek Women. 6. Niyoziy H. Poisonous Life or Victims of Love. 7. Niyoziy H. New Happiness.