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INTERPRETATION OF TIME AND SPACE IN SHORTS (CHRONOTOPE)
(On the example of the stories of the writer Shukhrat Matkarim “Yilon”, “Maqar”,
Kholiyor Safarov “Honor and Life”, “Wingless Birds”, “The Saddest Joy”)
Hulkar Rajabova Farmonovna
Independent researcher at the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and
Literature named after Alisher Navoi.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15093716
Abstract.
The article shows the time in the story - living conditions, people's worldview
and traditions. Although the work is close to modern events, it speaks about the fact that it
depicts ancient customs, people's views on life. This is especially reflected in the relationships of
the characters, village customs and parental decisions.
Keywords:
story, life, fiction, space, time, reader, method.
ИНТЕРПРЕТАЦИЯ ВРЕМЕНИ И ПРОСТРАНСТВА В КОРОТКИХ РАССКАЗАХ
(ХРОНОТОП)
(На примере рассказов писателя Шухрата Маткарима «Йилон», «Макар», Холиёра
Сафарова «Честь и жизнь», «Бескрылые птицы», «Самая грустная радость»)
Аннотация.
В статье показано время в рассказе — условия жизни, мировоззрение
и традиции людей. Хотя произведение и приближено к современным событиям, в нем
говорится о том, что в нем изображены древние обычаи, взгляды людей на жизнь. Это
особенно отражается во взаимоотношениях персонажей, деревенских обычаях и
родительских решениях.
Ключевые слова:
рассказ, жизнь, художественная литература, пространство,
время, читатель, метод.
In the story "Honor and Life" by Khaliyor Safarov, images of time and space play an
important role in illuminating the inner experiences of the characters, their life path, and social
differences in society. The ideological and artistic structure of the work is also explained
precisely through the harmony of time and space.
The story shows time through living conditions, people's worldviews, and traditions.
Although the work is close to modern events, it depicts ancient customs and people's views on
life. This is especially evident in the relationships of the characters, village customs, and the
decisions of their parents.
The details of the space in the story are captured by the fact that the main events take
place in the village. The remote villages of the Kashkadarya oasis are described, reflecting the
lives of people engaged in simple and hard labor there.
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At the same time, it is shown that the city also has a different way of life compared to the
countryside, and the difference between rural and urban culture is clearly felt. The fate of the
heroes is determined precisely by this space - those who remain in the countryside adhere to
traditions, while those who go to the city seek a new life.
In this story, space and time are closely connected with the fate and inner experiences of
the heroes, and their life path, hopes and sorrows are illuminated precisely through these
concepts.
1. Interpretation of space
In the story “Honor and Life” by Kholiyor Safarov, events take place in different spaces,
each of which has its own meaning.
For example:
a) In the center is the village - the embodiment of traditional values;
The story begins in one of the remote villages of the Kashkadarya oasis. This space is
associated with a traditional way of life, customs and values. The simple life of the shepherd boy
Eshpolat, his innocent love, is depicted against the backdrop of rural landscapes. The villagers
mainly live with traditional thinking. Their views are that shepherding is a lowly and unsightly
profession, while butchering is a noble profession. For this reason, Murad the butcher wants to
give his daughter to the son of a rich farmer, not to a shepherd.
Houses, farms, and farms are realistic images of rural life and have different meanings for
the characters. For example, for Ogiloy, his father's house is like a prison because he cannot
freely choose his future.
b) Hills and pastures are a place of retreat and sorrow;
Eshpolat feels the pain, anguish, and sorrow of love in the hills, in the bosom of nature.
The writer's description of the night on the hilltop, where he is sitting in the forest, is a
testament to his ability to express love and loyalty, as well as his dissatisfaction with his fate.
The pastures are shown as a symbol of his freedom and loneliness.
c) The city is represented as a center of material interests;
In the story, the city, unlike the village, is depicted as a place to live for the sake of
interests, wealth, materiality and prestige. That is why the hero of the story, Ogiloy, wanted to
study in the city, but he sacrifices himself to his father's will and his own unstable fate. In the
work, the rich son of a farmer studied in the city, he was given to money and material benefits.
For him, Ogiloy's div, not his soul, is more important. "They did not gaze at each other
in awe at the meeting, they did not speak of love, they did not open their hearts and talk. "The
young man first held the girl's hands, then he hugged her with lust, his fierce hands clasped her
neck...
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The girl was dying of shame, she turned pale like a flower, but she could not run away
and leave the meeting. She trembled all over. As for Akmaljon, he neither trembled nor
hesitated." (p. 60)
The young man feels neither excitement nor fear for the girl. His attitude towards the girl
is expressed by passion and a sense of ownership. Any subtle feelings of love disappear, and
only physical desires come to the fore. This shows that the young man has neither respect nor
reverence for the girl. In this case, the cruelty of the young man and the helplessness of the girl
create a sharp contrast. The girl's "withering like a flower" expresses her helplessness, the
brokenness of her will, while the young man's "lack of trembling or hesitation" indicates his
rudeness and indifference. This passage reflects how love can change not voluntarily and
sincerely, but under the influence of coercion, pressure, or unexpected circumstances. In
addition, it is one of the important episodes in the story "Honor and Life" that reveals the social
differences between Akmaljon's character and the characters.
Another example:
“Not behind the boy like Eshpolat, but in the yard, under a tree, waiting with both hands
on his waist, Akmaljon, as soon as the girl approached, said, “Yes, my dear, have you come?”
and forcibly kissed her on the lips.” (p. 59)
This fragment has a unique spirit from the point of view of time and space.
Spirit of the times: The fragment shows the contradictions of village life between old
traditions and a new way of life. On one side, there is Eshpolat, who is a symbol of goodness and
love, and on the other, there are characters like Akmaljon, who come from a rich family and put
profit above love. This episode highlights the problem of the violation of village etiquette, the
triumph of money and position over sacred feelings.
Spirit of place: The place depicted - a yard, under a tree - this situation acquires a
symbolic meaning. The tree symbolizes life, the continuation of the lineage. Eshpolat, on the
other hand, used to hold meetings in a secret place, in accordance with village customs - behind
the ogil. Akmaljon, on the other hand, acts in the open field, without any precautions, even
without taking into account the consent of the girl. This reflects the changes in his behavior and
worldview.
This passage shows the breakdown of social moral standards, the disappearance of human
values. This reveals not only the differences between the characters, but also the class
stratification in society.
2. Interpretation of time
The story depicts time as two poles:
a) The image of the clash of old traditions and new times;
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In this, according to the old tradition, attention is paid to the importance of parental
consent, not love. The fate of Ogiloy is also decided by the father's decision. However, modern
life encourages people to make decisions based on material interests.
Eshpolat is a hero who is loyal to values, because he considers honor and loyalty to be the
main values of love.
Murad the butcher and the farming family are symbols of modern selfishness, who prefer
wealth and career to love and loyalty.
b) A detail of the conflict between dreams and reality;
Eshpolat wanted to study and gain knowledge from his youth, but life made him a
shepherd.
Ogiloy wants to choose his own destiny, but his father makes decisions on his behalf. All
this shows that the dreams of the younger generation are fading in the conditions of the times.
c) A detail of the change in the times and human character;
Ogiloy used to love Eshpolat, but when he stepped into a new life, he puts ambition,
wealth and power above love. Murad the butcher also seems like a good person at first, but he
sells his conscience for the sake of money and wealth.
But Eshpulat does not change, he is still faithful to his love and expresses his feelings by
playing the flute.
3. The image of the interdependence of space and time
The village is an expression of old values, the city is an expression of the principles of the
new era.
Eshpulat and the hills are a symbol of freedom and dreams.
Ogiloy and his house are a symbol of obligation and imprisonment.
The sound of the flute is a cry of love, exile and pain.
Thus, in the story “Honor and Life”, Khaliyor Safarov described time and space as
interconnected, expressing that human destiny can change under any circumstances. Village and
city, old and new world, love and benefit, freedom and obligation - all this was deeply
interpreted in the story through time and space. The writer's goal is that with the change of times,
people also change, but true human values should not disappear.
Khaliyor Safarov used an unusual style of interpreting time and space in the story
“Wingless Birds”. In the story, time is revealed mainly through the life path of the characters, the
connection between their past and present. In the work, the characters try to remember their past
memories and understand how they influenced their current lives. In particular, the contrast
between Gulbahor and Dilmurod’s childhood and present shows the importance of time. In terms
of space, the story develops in different places.
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The house of mercy, city trips, wedding ceremonies, an educational center, and other
places are the main places where the story takes place. These places further enhance the inner
experiences of the characters. For example, the house of mercy makes Gulbahor and Dilmurod
feel the pain of being orphaned more deeply, while the wedding ceremony and the new house
symbolize their transition to a new stage in life. So, in the story, time is interpreted through the
connection between the past and the present, and space is interpreted through a deeper
illumination of the psychological state of the characters. In the writer's story "Wingless Birds",
time and space serve to deeply reveal the psychological state of the characters. Each time and
place affects the experiences of the characters, helps to more vividly depict their feelings.
In the story “Wingless Birds” by Kholiyor Safarov, the spiritual image of time is
enhanced. In the story, time is mainly reflected through the conflict between the past and the
present life of the characters.
1. Memories of the past and the influence of the present life
Dilmurod's childhood suffering
Excerpt from the text:
"At that time, he was in first grade. Before going to school, he was bedridden, his
complexion pale, his eyelids drawn inward, his eyes fixed on the paper flowers hanging from the
ceiling, as if his soul would be torn off if it fell, and he looked at his mother, who was staring at
him as if she were helpless, as if her soul would also fall off, and she was looking at her withered
lips, begging for salvation from her."
This episode describes Dilmurod's childhood memories. His mother's illness, his father's
neglect, and the difficult family environment left a deep mark on his psyche. There were no
happy moments in Dilmurod's life after his mother. This past still affects him in his present life,
he does not feel like a needed person anywhere.
Gulbahor grew up in a nursing home, waiting for her parents since childhood, which
formed a hope that was filled with pain and suffering in her.
Dilmurod's past is connected with maternal love and the subsequent suffering of
orphanhood. When her mother died, her life changed dramatically, and her father's coldness
affected her deeply.
Excerpt from the text:
“She cried and cried, telling her pains inside. She emptied her heart. She grieved over the
lifeless picture, but could not come to a decision.”
Here, Gulbahor's experiences are connected with her past. The fact that she has no
memories of her parents, and is forced to only imagine them, torments her.
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Gulbahor grew up in the orphanage, living with false hopes for her parents. Now she is
afraid to make an important decision that lies ahead of her.
2. The uncertainty of the present and the psychological image of the place
When Gulbahor is suddenly asked to be a bride to a wealthy family, the loneliness of her
past and the uncertainty of the future leave her torn between two paths.
Although Dilmurod loves Gulbahor, he suffers from not being able to find his place in his
life. For him, the future seems hopeless and abstract.
3. The psychological image of the place
In the work, the place plays an important role in describing the inner state of the
characters.
1. The orphanage is a place where loneliness and hope are mixed. The children living
here are mentally crushed due to the absence of their parents. Gulbahor dreams of being in the
arms of her parents, but these dreams are dashed. Within the walls of the orphanage, Dilmurod
and Gulbahor spend their unhappy childhood, they dream of leaving this place, but they
gradually realize that life outside may not bring them joy either.
The orphanage is a landscape of loneliness and despair
Excerpt from the text:
“She sat there, her delicate shoulders trembling, the sun had already set and darkness was
covering the surroundings. Even then, she did not move. She sat staring at the distant horizon,
which, like her hopes, was faintly visible through the leaves of the trees, at the setting sun.”
This image helps us to feel more deeply that Gulbahor is an orphan girl who grew up in
the orphanage. Although the orphanage provides her with shelter, this place cannot give her
happiness.
The psyche of a girl who feels the need for love and parental care is conveyed through the
landscape of the setting sun - just as her hopes are also fading.
2. The market and the city - a scene of alienation and oppression
The market is a picture of alienation and inability to adapt to another life.
Excerpt from the text:
"When she left the market and went to one of the beauty salons, the beautiful bride put on
a dress and, looking in the mirror, cried, whether from joy or from longing."
Although Gulbahor is preparing for the wedding, this does not bring her happiness. She
goes to the market with her mother-in-law and acquires luxurious clothes and sarongs, but even
this cannot give her the parental love that she lacks. This place does not suit her psyche, because
she is alien to this life.
When Gulbahor goes to the market with her mother-in-law, she feels completely alien.
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Wealth and gifts cannot make her happy, because she needs love and affection.
3. The night sky and stars are a symbol of despair, suffering, loneliness and hope
Dilmurod looks at the sky and stars and feels the meaninglessness of his life. Realizing
that he cannot be with his beloved, he feels helpless and helpless.
Thus, the image of time and space, in harmony with the inner experiences of the heroes,
vividly reflects their suffering, hopes and uncertain future. The contrast between the past and the
present, the cold walls of the House of Mercy, the alienation of the bazaar and city life, the
gloomy gaze of the night sky - all this further enhances the spiritual suffering of the heroes.
Excerpt from the text:
“Dilmurod looked at the sky and stars. Then, as if a light had broken out of the Milky
Way and entered his soul, the joy of words began to flow into his tongue involuntarily...”
The night sky is a reflection of Dilmurod’s inner world
1. The image of the spirit of the time
A) An unstable and uncertain era
The spiritual state of the heroes in the story is connected with the complexity of the time.
Bahodir is not confident in his future, he is afraid of losing his place in society.
Yusufboy is a realistic person who understands the truth, but does not fight against it.
Shavkat is a neutral observer who believes that nothing will change.
In the story, in the spirit of the time, people do not trust themselves or their surroundings.
It seems that the system restricts people's movements, does not allow them to feel free.
Everyone is afraid of something, but cannot speak openly.
Example:
“Bahodir thought for a long time at night. Will everything change tomorrow? No.
Nothing will change. Only time will pass.”
This image shows that Bahodir lives in an unstable era, his lack of confidence in the
future.
B) Atmosphere of fear and hesitation
The snake is a symbol of hidden danger, unexpected intrigues, and the unknown in
society.
The characters cannot escape the influence of the snake - this indicates their attachment
to the era.
Example:
“Bahodir stared at the snake. It must be destroyed, but it lies quietly in a bag. Maybe it is
waiting?”
This image shows fear and the unknown in society.
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C) The spirit of the times is reflected in the actions of the characters
People understand the truth, but do not oppose it.
The characters struggle within themselves, but their external actions are empty and
helpless.
Example:
“Yusufboy smiled and said: “Don’t deceive yourself, my dear. Everything has already
been decided.”
These words express the passivity of the era, the belief that nothing will change.
2. The image of the spirit of the place
A) The image of nature and space is associated with the inner world of the heroes.
The silence of the night, dusty places are an expression of the inner oppression of the
heroes.
The air is damp and heavy - this indicates mental pressure and internal pressure.
Example:
"The evening breeze dried the sweat on Bahodir's forehead. But he did not feel relieved.
Clouds were floating in the sky - just as uncertain and strange as the future."
This image connects the hero's inner experiences with the environment.
B) The place where the snake is located - represents a symbolic meaning.
The snake is in a bag - the danger or problem is hidden for now, but it proves that it
exists.
No matter where the snake is thrown, it does not lose its influence - that is, it cannot be
escaped from the system.
Example:
"The snake was lying in the square. But no one dared to approach it. It's like everyone is
suspicious of each other."
This image reflects how people live in society.
C) The contrast between the inner and outer space
Everything seems calm outside, but inside people are suffering.
The heroes do their ordinary work in real life, but there are always other thoughts in their
minds.
Example:
"Shawkat looked at Bahadur. He seemed calm. But only an observer could notice that his
fingers were trembling."
The calmness in space is false, in fact, internal struggles are ongoing.
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3. How are the psyche of time and space connected?
Time affects the psyche of people - they do not feel free.
In space, this situation is given by darkness, dusty places, and the uncertainty of the sky.
4. Deepening the spirit of time and space through the dream motif
The dream motif in the story makes the spirit of time and space more impressive
Example:
"Bahodir saw a snake in a dream. He tried to run away, but his feet stuck to the ground.
The sky was black. The fog thickened. The snake gradually approached and wrapped
itself around his hand..."
This scene reflects the instability of the time, the difficult environment in the place, and
the hero's inner fears.
REFERENCES
1.
Safarov Kh. Wingless Birds. – Tashkent: Uzbekistan, 2014. – 344 p.
2.
Safarov Kh. Honor and Life: Stories and Stories. – Tashkent: Gafur Ghulom Publishing
House, 2019. – 152 p.
3.
Qoshjonov M. Life and Skill. – Tashkent: Publishing House of Literature, 1962. – 201 p.
4.
Hulkar Farmon qizi. My works are a part of my life. “Vaqif” newspaper, 2024, May 27, No.
09-10 (153-154). 6. Safarov H. My mother’s lies (stories). – Tashkent: Ochun, 2024. – 256
p.
