American Journal Of Philological Sciences
160
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue04 2025
PAGE NO.
160-162
10.37547/ajps/Volume05Issue04-40
Symbolic and Satirical Representation of Society: Social
Vices In “The Little Prince” And “Riding
the Yellow
Giant”
Saypiyeva Gulbahor Faxriddin qizi
1st year master's student, Faculty of "Foreign Language and Literature", University of Economics and Pedagogy, Uzbekistan
Shukurova Sabohat Odilovna
Head of scientific work, f.f.f.d(PhD) dotsent, Uzbekistan
Received:
20 February 2025;
Accepted:
19 March 2025;
Published:
21 April 2025
Abstract:
This article focuses on the artistic interpretation of social vices in Antoine de Saint-
Exupery’s “The Little
Prince” and Khudoyberdi Tokhtaboyev’s “Riding the Yellow Giant”. The article examines the writers’ attention to
social issues and their depiction through symbolic and satirical images.
In “The Little Prince” various characters symbolically represent issues such as the neglect of spiritual values,
materialism, car
eerism, and egotism. Meanwhile, Khudoyberdi Tokhtaboyev’s “Riding the yellow giant”
satiricallay portrays careerism, deceit, and the indifference of adults toward children.
The article provides a comparative analysis of the characters in both works, highlightining their role in revealing
social problems. Additionally, it emphasizes the authors’ call for the moral rejuvenation of society. The article
underscores the importance of artistic interpretation of societal moral issues and the lessons cobveyed to readers.
Keywords:
Social vices in society, satirical symbolic images, writers’ attention to social issues, careerism, egoism,
fraud, comparative analysis.
Introduction:
Literature serves as a mirror reflecting
society. Through their works, writers not only reveal
the internal emotions and feelings of individuals but
also shed light on various societal vices. Literature helps
society understand itself by highlighting shortcomings
and their consequences. Social vices often contradict
fundamental human values such as justice, humanity,
and spirituality. By addressing these flaws, authors aim
to influence readers’ hearts and inspire them toward
goodness.
Literature serves as a critical tool in world literature.
Literature frequently serves as a critical tool. By
depicting shortcomings, writers demonstrate the need
for societal reforms. This critical approach fosters
change and motivates readers to become more
enlightened, cultured, and conscious. Works of
literature that focus on social flaws not only criticize but
also encourage readers to reject these harmful
behaviors.
Numerous great writers in both world and Uzbek
literature have explored societal flaws in their works.
They often use symbolic characters to reflect these
issues.
For instance, Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland” uses symbolic imagery to critique societal
rules, the pursuit of power, and the erosion of moral
norms.
Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” similarly explores
social shortcomings through symbolic characters.
Though regarded
as a children’s book, it delves into
societal flaws and human imperfection through its
allegorical narrative.
In “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint
-Exupery,
moral degradation, adults’ obsession with material
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
161
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
wealth, and the neglect of human values are depicted
symbolically.
Uzbek children’s literature
also employs symbolic
forms to portray societal flaws and issues, offering
young readers entertaining yet thought-provoking
stories.
For example, Togay Murod’s “oydinda yurgan odamlar”
highlights the erosion of compassion and human values
through symbolic characters.
Another example is Mirzakalon Ismoiliy’s “Farg’ona
O’g’lonlari”, which teaches children patriotism and self
-
worth while symbolically exploring responsibility and
duty to society.
Khudoyberdi Tokhtaboyev’s “Riding the Yellow Giant”
and other works like “The magic hat” and “The land of
sweet melons” also use symbolic characters to criticize
greed, deceit, and other vices. In “
Riding the yellow
giant”, themes such as selfishness and the pursuit of
wealth are humorously portrayed, making the message
accessible to young readers.
Comparative analysis of both works.
In “The Little Prince”, Antoine de Saint
-Exupery uses
philosophical and symbolic approaches to portray
societal flaws through various characters. For instance,
materialism and greed are depicted through the
“Businessman” character. This character is obsessed
with counting stars and claiming ownership over them.
He symbolizes the excessive attachment to material
possessions, showing how this lifestyle leads to moral
and spiritual decline.
“It is improper to yawn in the presence of a king”, said
the King. “I forbid you to yawn”.
“I… I couldn’t help it”, replied the Little Prince, feeling
embarrassed. “I’ve been traveling a long way and
haven’t slept”. “Well, then”, said the King, “I order you
to yawn. It’s been years since I’ve seen someone yawn.
It’s fascinating. Come now, yawn for me. That’s an
order!” “But… now I’m too shy to yawn”, said the Little
Prince, blushing deeply. “Hmm… hmm… then I order
you to yawn at
times and not yawn at others”, the King
proclaimed.
The above excerpt illustrates how the King character
represents an obsession with power and control. His
insatiable desire to issue orders reflects authoritarian
tendencies and the misuse of authority. Through this
character, the isolation that comes with unchecked
ambition.
The “Drunkard” characters symbolizes escapism and
self-dissatisfaction. His habit of drinking to forget his
shame represents society’s tendency to avoid
confronting its flaws.
As proof of my statement above, I will present the
following excerpt:
“
On the next planet lived a drunkard. The Little Prince
didn’t stay there long, but within a short time, he felt
deeply distressed.
When he stepped onto the planet, the drunkard was
silently staring at the empty and full bottles in front of
him. “What are you doing?” asked the Little Prince.
“I’m drinking,” replied the drunkard with a frown.
“Why?”
“To forget.”
“Forget what?” asked the Little Prince
, feeling sorry for
him.
“That I’m ashamed of myself,” admitted the drunkard,
bowing his head.
“Ashamed of what?” asked the Little Prince, eager
to
help the poor man.
“Of drinking!” said the drunkard, and he fell silent
again.
The “Vain Man” symbolizes egotism, and a thirst for
admiration. He cares only about being praised and
places himself above others. This character embodies
humanity’s excessive self
-centeredness.
Through the “Geograoher”, the author critiques
theoretical knowledge without practical application.
This character collects information about the world but
never explores it himself, symbolizing a disconnect
between theory and action.
Lastly, the “Lamp Lighter” represents meaningless
activity and a lack of purpose. He lights and
extinguishes a lamp every minute, yet he doesn’t
understand the reason behind his actions. This reflects
individuals who engage in activities without a clear
sense of their goals.
The Little Prince, as a character, embodies simplicity,
love, and responsibility. He critiques adults’ obsession
with trivial matters and their neglect of meaningful
values. The story as a whole highlights pressing societal
issues through symbolic characters, urging readers to
value human connections, sincerity, and moral
integrity.
In “Riding the yellow Giant”, khudoyberdi Tokhtaboy
ev
uses satire and humor to explore several societal vices.
By presenting these issues through the eyes of children,
the authors critiques the adults world and its flaws.
The character “Qoziyev” embodies greed, corruption,
and selfishness. He is portrayed as a cunning and
ambitious individual who prioritizes his personal gain
above all else. Through qoziyev, the authors critiques
corruption, dishonesty, and moral decay in positions of
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
162
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
authority.
Another character is “ Sora Soothsayer”,. Through this
character, the author illustrates the existence of liars
and fraudsters in society, individuals who disregard the
rights of others, and emphasizes that such people
ultimately face disgrace and humiliation for their
deeds. “
this is also vividly exemplified by the
conversation
between
Hoshimjon
and
Mirobiddinkhoja”.
Other characters represent societal indifference and
irresponsibility. For example, adults in the story often
dismiss children’s perspectives and fail to address their
needs. This highlights the lack of care and attention
adults give to the younger generation.
Through the portrayal of Hoshimjon’s relatives, the
author reveals societal vices such as neglect and
indifference. Adults in the story ignore children’s
problems, showing a lack of accountable and empathy.
The citizens of the town reflect the loss of moral values.
Many are portrayed as being preoccupied with material
interests and self-serving behavior, neglecting the
broader responsibilities of community life.
Despite the flaws in the adults world, the story contast
these characters with the children, who emdiv
honesty, bravery, and a sense of justice. Hoshimjon and
his friends fight against deceit and uphold positive
values, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and
integrity.
CONCLUSION
As a conclus
ion I can say that both “ The Little Prince”
and “Riding the Yellow Giant” use symbolic and satirical
methods to critique societal flaws. While Sain-Exupery
adopts a philosophical and symbolic approach,
Tokhtaboyev employs humor and satire to convey his
message. Despite their different styles, both authors
focus on the moral and ethical challenges of society,
urging readers to embrace positive values such as love,
sincerity, and responsibility.
REFERENCES
Antoine de Sent-
Exupery. “The Little Prince”. Tas
hkent:
Yangi asr avlodi 2016.
Tokhtaboyev. Kh.”Riding the yellow Giant”. Tashkent:
G’afur G’ulom. 2019
Kholmatova N. “The importance of Symbolic
Representation in Literature”. Uzbek literature and art
journal, №3, 2021.
Sharipov A. “The Role of Sa
tirical Literature in
Children’s Upbringing”. Ma’naviyat Nuri Journal. №2,
2020.
Nurbek Alimov. “Childhood as the Essence of
Humanity: On the Little Prince”. Daryo publishing 2019.
