Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
55
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
55-59
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This article analyzes the application and significance of the anthropocentric approach in contemporary American and
Uzbek literature, particularly in novel writing. The author delves into a theoretical analysis of the history of
anthropocentrism, examining its role in literature and illustrating the topic with various examples. Special attention is
given to personal identity, internal conflicts, and the meaning of life, emphasizing that humans are the central element
and explaining how this relates to literature. Additionally, the article explores the commonalities and differences in
the anthropocentric approach between American and Uzbek novel writing. Anthropocentrism remains an integral
part of literary culture, directly influencing the modern interpretation of humanity.
KEYWORDS
Anthropocentrism, American literature, Uzbek literature, existentialism, modernism, postmodernism, human,
personal identity.
INTRODUCTION
Since ancient times, human beings have been
considered the highest form of life on Earth,
distinguished by their intellectual, moral, creative, and
ethical abilities. Humans are the only living beings
Research Article
ANTHROPOCENTRIC APPROACH IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN AND
UZBEK NOVEL WRITING
Submission Date:
December 14, 2024,
Accepted Date:
December 19, 2024,
Published Date:
December 30, 2024
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijll/Volume04Issue12-10
Ganieva Orzigul Khayriddinovna
Doctor of philosophy in Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of English Literary and
Translation Studies, Foreign Languages Faculty, Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan
Ashurova Nigina Aziz qizi
Master Student of Bukhara State University, Department of English Literary and Translation Studies, Foreign
Languages Faculty, Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijll
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
56
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
55-59
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
capable of understanding their lives and striving to
make them meaningful. This greatness lies not only in
their capacity for inventions but also in their ability to
do good, care for society, and nurture nature. This lofty
status obliges humans to live responsibly and make the
world a better place. Therefore, the perfection of
humans has been deeply rooted in philosophical,
religious, and scientific views, which is why it has
become a central theme in literature.
Notably, the concept of anthropocentrism, a
philosophical category that views humans as the
center of the universe, has played a significant role in
literary works for several centuries. The term
"anthropocentrism" derives from the Greek words
“anthropos” (human) and “kentron” (center),
meaning "placing humans at the center." This
perspective sees humans as the most important,
central, and supreme beings in nature or the universe.
According to anthropocentrism, humans are the
highest and most significant of all beings; all things and
events are evaluated based on human interests, needs,
or values; and nature is perceived as being created to
serve human needs.
METHODOLOGY
To explore the topic, several works of world, American,
and Uzbek literature, primarily novels, were analyzed
using cultural-historical and comparative analysis
methods.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The philosophical foundation of anthropocentrism
emerged in Ancient Greece during the 5th
–
4th
centuries BCE, with its roots in ancient philosophy and
religious beliefs. Protagoras, one of the founders of
anthropocentric thought, introduced the famous idea
that "Man is the measure of all things," portraying
humans as the center of the universe. Aristotle further
developed this concept by describing nature as a
system designed to serve human needs. During this
period, philosophy prioritized humans above all other
beings, portraying them as the supreme creatures of
nature due to their intellectual and creative capacities.
Anthropocentrism also spread through religion, as
many faiths interpret humans as the central figures of
divine creation. For instance, in the religious
civilizations of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Israel,
dating back to the 2nd
–
1st millennia BCE, human
creation and dominion over nature were emphasized.
Islam, which emerged in the 7th century, also
highlights the superior position of humans. The Quran
describes humans as stewards of the Earth (Surah Al-
Baqarah, 2:30).
During the Renaissance, creators like Leonardo da Vinci
and Michelangelo depicted the human div and its
potential as symbols of perfection. Giovanni Pico della
Mirandola's Oration on the Dignity of Man celebrated
the boundless potential and freedom of humanity. In
the modern era, Descartes emphasized humans as
rational beings distinct from nature, further
advocating their superiority. The Scientific Revolution,
exemplified by Galileo and Newton, expanded
humanity's ability to understand and control nature
through scientific laws. The Enlightenment of the 18th
century, known as the Age of Reason, marked the
zenith of anthropocentrism, glorifying human intellect
and reason.
From
the
mid-20th
century,
anthropocentric
approaches gained prominence in literary processes.
The modernist and postmodernist movements played
crucial roles in advancing this perspective. In literature,
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
57
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
55-59
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
anthropocentrism shifted the focus to the complexity
of the human psyche and inner life, moving beyond
mere social status or external appearance. This
approach enabled literature to explore pressing
societal issues, conflicts between humans and
technology, humans and nature, and individuals and
society by centering on human emotions and
experiences.
In global literature, the anthropocentric approach
places humans at the heart of narratives, evaluating all
events and phenomena from the human perspective.
It examines the human psyche, emotions, and life
experiences,
offering
profound
insights
into
humanity’s relationship with the world. For example,
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s works delve deeply int
o the
psychological and emotional complexities of human
existence. In Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov’s
inner struggles exemplify anthropocentric exploration.
James Joyce’s Ulysses employs the "stream of
consciousness" technique to depict the intricacies of
human thought processes.
The anthropocentric approach is also reflected in
existential philosophy, which focuses on the
challenges of human existence. For instance, Albert
Camus’s The Stranger raises profound questions about
life’s meaning through th
e character Meursault.
Similarly, authors like Leo Tolstoy and Charles Dickens
examine the dynamics between individuals and society
in works such as Anna Karenina and Great
Expectations. Postmodern literature, including works
by Milan Kundera and Gabriel García Márquez,
emphasizes self-awareness and the impact of societal
influences on human identity.
In modern American literature, the anthropocentric
approach manifests in various styles, particularly
through themes of personal exploration, psychological
struggles, and relationships with technology.
Modernist authors like Ernest Hemingway highlighted
human resilience, as seen in The Old Man and the Sea.
William Faulkner examined the complexities of human
consciousness, as in The Sound and the Fury.
Postmodernists, such as Don DeLillo and David Foster
Wallace, explored the intersection of humanity and
technology. For instance, DeLillo’s White Noise reflects
the role of humans in a world dominated by
technology.
In
contrast,
Uzbek
literature
integrates
anthropocentrism uniquely, focusing on spiritual
identity, national values, and harmony with society.
The anthropocentric approach in Uzbek literature has
evolved through several phases:
1. Jadid Literature: This period promoted humanistic
ideals, with writers like Abdulla Qodiriy, Cholpon, and
Fitrat addressing human freedom, identity, and social
roles. In Qodiriy’s Past Days, themes of love, struggle,
and the desire for freedom are central.
2. Soviet Period: While societal themes predominated,
writers like Oybek and Said Ahmad also explored
human struggles and emotions. Oybek’s Sacred Blood
depicts how social conflicts shape human psyche and
resilience.
3. Independence Period: After gaining independence,
Uzbek literature began emphasizing self-discovery,
spiritual growth, and national identity. Authors like
Isajon Sulton, Tohir Malik, and Pirimqul Qodirov
portrayed humans grappling with traditional values
and modernity. For example, Qodirov’s The Starry
Nights explores Babur’s spiritual and emotional
journey.
Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
58
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
:
55-59
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
4. Contemporary Writers: Younger Uzbek authors
continue to focus on the complexities of human
emotions,
personal
growth,
and
spiritual
development. Their works often examine the
individual’s struggles in a rapidly changing globalized
world.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, contemporary American and Uzbek
novel writing reflects anthropocentrism through
distinct cultural and philosophical traditions. While
American literature delves into individualism and the
intricacies of the human psyche, Uzbek literature
emphasizes spiritual identity, national values, and
societal responsibility. These differences highlight the
unique characteristics of each literary tradition,
enriching the global literary landscape.
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Volume 04 Issue 12-2024
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
12
P
AGES
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55-59
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
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