Ochildiyeva Shahnoza

[In Uzbek literature, many accomplished artists are recognized not only in Uzbekistan, but all over the world, and their works are studied as an important part of the scientific and literary world. Ozod Sharafiddinov is a scientist who made a great contribution to the development of Uzbek literature and the art of translation. His scientific and practical work in the fields of literary criticism, translation theory and artistic translation introduced a new approach to some important directions. This article analyzes the life and scientific activity of Ozod Sharafiddinov and his contribution to the fields of translation and literary criticism.]

In modern literary studies, the development of literary text analysis methods, theory of translation and literary criticism is closely related to the scientific heritage of mature scientists. The scientific researches of Ozod Sharafiddinov, who formed a unique theoretical approach in Uzbek literary criticism, are of great importance not only in the national but also in the context of world literary studies. He was born on March 1, 1929 in the village of Okhunkainar near Kokan. After graduating from school in Tashkent, he graduated from the Faculty of Philology of the Central Asian State University, completed post-graduate studies in Moscow and received the degree of candidate of science. One of the most famous works of Ozod Sharafiddinov is “Time. Heart. Poetry” included the literary critical researches of the writer related to the problems of poetry in those times. The work also contains literary and critical articles written by the writer about Uzbek poetry and its situation, literary works are studied from the point of view of the laws of art. His research is based on the analysis of national ideals and literary laws. Ozod Sharafiddinov’s ideas about the creative personality and his place in artistic works are interpreted in the work “Literary Etudes”. His works such as “First Miracle”, “Talent-People’s Property”, “Literature-People’s Property” and “In Search of Beauty” covered the important issues of Uzbek poetry, prose and criticism one by one.

The first period is the years of Soviet, and the second is the years after independence. In his books “Independence Devotees”, “Sardaftar satrlar”, “On the Paths of Spiritual Perfection”, the writer analyzed with a new look and a new approach the work of his great ancestors, such as Abdurauf Fitrat, Abdulkhamid Chulpan, Osman Nasir, Oybek, Abdulla Kahhar, Gafur Ghulam. Especially, the writer’s research on the works of Chulpan deserve special recognition. For example, in the work “Understanding Chulpan”, the writer analyzes the complex path of the new Uzbek criticism in the 20th century, and sheds light on the work of many critics from the point of view of Chulpan’s work. The place of Uzbek literature in the world and its scientific and spiritual roots are studied and the book “The Happiness of Realizing Creativity” is considered as the peak of creativity of Ozod Sharafiddinov. At this point, it is necessary to pay special attention to the legacy of the writer in the field of translation. Because the writer introduced the concept of criticism to the art of translation. “Confession” by Leo Tolstoy, “The Chemist” by P. Coelho, “Stop the plane, I’m falling!” by A. Sevela, which are loved by world readers as masterpieces of world literature His works were translated into Uzbek by Ozod Sharafiddinov and reached the hands of Uzbek book lovers. Of course, all the writer’s creative works, artistic and scientific works, as well as translations, played a special role in raising the thinking of our people and enriching our national literature.

Literary criticism

An in-depth analysis of a literary text. Ozod Sharafiddinov saw literary criticism not only as a means of evaluating the work, but also as a method of studying the internal system of the text and interpreting it in a socio-philosophical context. His research covers a number of areas. For example, in the structuralism of the artistic text, the system of literary images and their dynamics, the compositional structure of the work and its aesthetic impact are analyzed. The direction of ideological-aesthetic harmony is very important and includes the analysis of the national and universal significance of the work, the evaluation of the personality of the writer and his creative principles. Each work has its own language, style, nature, and the study of the influence of language and style on the content of the text is a special direction in the analysis of the work.  According to Ozod Sharafiddinov’s theory, literary criticism is not only a means of looking for the shortcomings of a work, but also a means of revealing its artistic-aesthetic, philosophical and social essence.

He discovered literary criticism as not just a tool for evaluating a work, but a scientific approach that reveals its inner essence

Scientist emphasized how important it is to maintain the balance between the originality and the translation. O. Sharafiddinov developed fundamental scientific approaches in the development of the Uzbek translation school. He analyzed the problems encountered in the translation process and their solutions. According to his theory, translation theory should rely on several important factors. Faithfulness to the original and maintaining the harmony of national thinking, realizing the importance of the translator’s role in re-creating the text are among these. In fact, the work of translators is very important not only in literature, but also in the world community and international friendship. Because cultural codes are transformed in the process of translation. International communication is ensured through artistic translation. Based on the scientific views of the writer, in today’s translation practice, the combination of faithfulness to the original and national thinking is seen as an important methodological principle. Today’s scientific researches show that Sharafiddinov’s approaches play an extremely important role in the development of modern literary criticism and translation theory. Based on his scientific concepts, new trends such as deep research of semiotic and linguistic foundations of translation and enrichment of literary criticism with philosophical thinking entered the literature.

Conclusion

The scientific legacy of Ozod Sharafiddinov left an indelible mark on the development of Uzbek literary studies and translation theory. He discovered literary criticism as not just a tool for evaluating a work, but a scientific approach that reveals its inner essence. Despite the fact that the artistic works he analyzed reflected the socio-cultural environment of his time, he also gave a guide to modern literary processes by studying their internal structures. According to the writer, every created artistic work should be considered as a part of the spiritual heritage of humanity, different peoples and different destinies, along with being a product of the thinking of its time. The writer’s creativity and love for translation praised the fact that the translator is not only a technical creator who translates the text into another language, but also a creative person who creates a bridge between two cultures.  After all, the process of translation is not a simple change of language, but an art of keeping the balance of meaning and aesthetic harmony.  By further developing the fields of literary criticism and translation theory, researchers following in the footsteps of Ozod Sharafiddinov not only contribute to the recognition of Uzbek literature on a global scale, but also serve to expand the boundaries of scientific thinking. His scientific legacy does not lose its relevance no matter how fast time passes, but on the contrary, it creates a solid ground for new research.

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Ochildiyeva Shahnoza is 1st-year student at Journalism and Mass Communications, Faculty of English Philology and Language Teaching, University of Uzbekistan

The post Ozod Sharafiddinov: Uzbek scientist’s contribution to the development of literature first appeared on Sindh Courier.

SHOUKAT LOHAR

Literary criticism is an essential discipline that analyzes and evaluates works of literature, shedding light on their meaning, structure, and artistic merit. By employing various theoretical frameworks and interpretive techniques, literary critics aim to deepen our understanding of literary works and explore the complex relationship between writers, readers, and texts. Let’s explore the historical background of literary criticism, the different kinds of literary criticism, and how it has evolved over time.

Historical Background

The roots of literary criticism can be traced back to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Plato and Aristotle engaged in discussions about the nature of literature and its role in society. Plato, in his famous work “The Republic,” criticized poetry for its potential to corrupt minds and advocated for the censorship of certain forms of literature. Aristotle, on the other hand, developed a more systematic approach to literary analysis, focusing on the elements of plot, character, and spectacle.

During the Renaissance, literary criticism experienced a resurgence as scholars began to examine classical works and develop new theories about literature. The rise of humanism emphasized the importance of individual expression and led to the emergence of literary critics like Sir Philip Sidney, who defended poetry as a means of moral and intellectual instruction.

The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed significant developments in literary criticism. The rise of modernism and the introduction of new literary movements, such as Romanticism and Symbolism, prompted critics to explore innovative approaches to analyzing texts. Figures like T.S. Eliot, Northrop Frye, and Roland Barthes revolutionized literary criticism by introducing structuralism, post-structuralism, and deconstructionist theories, respectively.

Kinds of Literary Criticism

There are numerous kinds of literary criticism, each with its own set of principles and objectives. Some of the most prominent include:

1. Formalist Criticism: This approach focuses on the intrinsic qualities of the text, such as its structure, language, and style. Formalist critics analyze how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and aesthetic impact of the work.
2. Historical Criticism: Historical critics examine literature in its historical and cultural context, exploring how societal factors, events, and ideologies shape literary works. This approach helps us understand the social and political implications of a text.
3. Biographical Criticism: Biographical critics study the life and experiences of the author to gain insights into the motivations behind their work. By examining the author’s biography, critics seek to uncover connections between the text and the author’s personal life.
4. Marxist Criticism: This approach focuses on the examination of literature through the lens of class struggle and socioeconomic conditions. Marxist critics analyze how power structures, capitalism, and social inequality shape literary representations.

Evolution of Literary Criticism

Literary criticism has evolved significantly since its ancient origins. From Plato and Aristotle’s foundational theories to the influential ideas of modernist and postmodernist critics, the field has expanded and diversified, incorporating a wide range of approaches and methodologies.

One notable shift in literary criticism is the move from a text-centered approach to a reader-centered one. Reader-response theory, championed by critics like Wolfgang Iser and Stanley Fish, emphasizes the role of the reader in actively constructing meaning from the text. This perspective acknowledges the subjective nature of interpretation and the multiplicity of possible readings.

Another important development is the integration of interdisciplinary approaches into literary criticism. Critics now draw on fields such as psychology, sociology, feminism, postcolonial literature and other fields.

World’s most famous literary critics, their works and critical insights

Literary criticism has been a prominent field throughout the history of literature. Many famous literary critics have made significant contributions to the understanding and interpretation of literary works. Here are some of the most renowned literary critics and their definitions of criticism, along with references to their influential works:

Aristotle (384-322 BCE): Definition of Criticism: Aristotle’s approach to criticism, as presented in his work “Poetics,” involves analyzing and evaluating the essential elements of literature, including plot, character, language, and spectacle. He focuses on the concept of “catharsis” or emotional purification through the experience of tragic drama.

Reference

-“Poetics” – Aristotle’s seminal work on literary theory, where he discusses the principles of drama and provides insights into the nature of storytelling and tragedy.

-Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Definition of Criticism: Johnson’s critical writings, particularly in his periodical “The Rambler” and his “Lives of the Poets,” emphasize the role of moral and ethical judgment in evaluating literature. He believes that literature should instruct and improve the reader’s character.

-“The Rambler” – A series of 208 periodical essays written by Johnson between 1750 and 1752, which cover a wide range of topics, including literary criticism.

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834): Definition of Criticism: Coleridge’s approach to criticism, as seen in his “Biographia Literaria,” stresses the importance of the reader’s emotional and imaginative response to a work of literature. He introduced the concept of “willing suspension of disbelief,” arguing that readers should immerse themselves in the artistic world of a text to fully appreciate it.

-“Biographia Literaria” – Coleridge’s autobiographical work where he discusses his philosophical and critical ideas, including the distinction between imagination and fancy.

-T.S. Eliot (1888-1965): Definition of Criticism: Eliot’s critical essays, such as “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” advocate for a historical and cultural awareness when approaching literature. He believes that the present works of art are influenced by and connected to the literary tradition of the past.

-“Tradition and the Individual Talent” – An influential essay by T.S. Eliot, published in 1919, which explores the relationship between the artist, tradition, and innovation.

-Northrop Frye (1912-1991): Definition of Criticism: Frye’s work in “Anatomy of Criticism” outlines his theory of archetypal criticism, where he explores universal patterns in literature and categorizes them into four mythoi (modes): comedy, tragedy, romance, and irony. He emphasizes the recurrence of these patterns across different literary works.

-“Anatomy of Criticism” – A seminal work in literary theory, published in 1957, where Frye presents his archetypal and structural approach to criticism.

-Roland Barthes (1915-1980): Definition of Criticism: Barthes, in his essay “The Death of the Author,” challenges the traditional role of the author in literary interpretation. He argues for the “birth” of the reader, suggesting that the meaning of a text is created through the reader’s engagement with it, rather than being dictated solely by the author’s intention.

-“The Death of the Author” – A thought-provoking essay by Roland Barthes, published in 1967, which became a foundational text in the field of literary theory.

These literary critics and their works have significantly shaped the landscape of literary criticism, offering diverse perspectives and methodologies for understanding and analyzing literature.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

The post Literary Criticism: Perspective and Prospective first appeared on Sindh Courier.

SHOUKAT LOHAR

Literary criticism is an essential field of study that aims to analyze, interpret, and evaluate works of literature. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of literary texts and explores their various elements, such as themes, characters, symbolism, narrative techniques, and social and historical contexts. Let’s understand it.

Definition and Background

Literary criticism can be defined as the practice of interpreting and evaluating literary works through analysis and judgment. It has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where scholars like Aristotle and Horace established the foundations of literary criticism. In their works, they discussed the principles of drama, poetry, and rhetoric, forming the basis for later developments in the field.

Medieval Criticism

During the Middle-Ages, literary criticism was largely influenced by religious and moral perspectives. The primary focus was on understanding texts in relation to religious beliefs and teachings. Biblical allegory and moral lessons were often emphasized, and works were judged based on their adherence to Christian values.

Modern Criticism

Modern literary criticism emerged during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. The Renaissance witnessed a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman literature, leading to a more scholarly and scholarly approach to analyzing texts. The Enlightenment brought about a shift towards reason and rationality, and critics began examining literature in light of social, political, and philosophical ideologies.

Beyond Assessment

Literary criticism goes beyond mere assessment of texts. While evaluation is an important aspect, criticism also aims to explore deeper meanings and themes, uncover the author’s intentions, and examine the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which the work was created. It delves into the formal and stylistic elements of a text, its symbolism, and the impact it has on readers. Literary criticism seeks to engage readers in a dialogue with the text, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of literature.

Challenges in Understanding Literary Criticism

Literary criticism can often be seen as complex and challenging to comprehend. The diversity of theories, approaches, and perspectives within the field can make it overwhelming for readers. Additionally, the use of specialized terminology and jargon can further hinder proper understanding. However, with patience, a willingness to learn, and exposure to various critical works, readers can gradually develop a better grasp of literary criticism.

The Importance of Literary Theories

Literary theories play a crucial role in shaping and guiding literary criticism. They provide frameworks and perspectives through which texts can be analyzed. Various theories, such as formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, post-colonialism, and psychoanalysis, offer different lenses to interpret and understand literature. These theories help critics explore different aspects of texts, uncover hidden meanings, and shed light on the broader cultural, social, and historical contexts in which the works were produced.

Role of Readers

Literary criticism is not solely dependent on the critic’s analysis but also involves the reader’s interpretation and response to the text. Readers bring their own experiences, perspectives, and emotions to the reading process, influencing how they engage with and understand the work. Each reader may have a unique interpretation, and literary criticism encourages diverse viewpoints and discussions.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

The post Rethinking Literary Criticism first appeared on Sindh Courier.