Yangi O'zbekiston taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o'rni va rivojlanish omillari
20-
to’plam
2-son Iyun 2025
360
ANALYSIS OF SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF
CHARACTERS IN THE WORKS OF SOMERSET MAUGHAM AND
ABDULLA KAHHOR
Sheraliyeva Dildora Abduvaxob qizi
Namangan state institute of foreign languages
Phd student
dildorasheraliyeva007@gmail.com
+99899 844 40 46
Abstract:
This thesis analyzes the similarities and differences among the
characters in the works of two prominent 20th-century writers - the English author
Somerset Maugham and the Uzbek writer Abdulla Kahhor. The study examines
the complexity of human nature, and moral issues are reflected through their
characters, highlighting the influence of cultural and historical contexts. The thesis
focuses on the psychological portraits of the characters, their social roles, and the
likeness and contrasts in the a
uthors’ literary styles.
Keywords:
Somerset Maugham, Abdulla Kahhor, character analysis, literary
characters, English literature, Uzbek literature, psychological portrait, literary
style, comparative literature
Introduction:
Literature plays an important role as a reflection of human
experience, culture, and social environment. Every writer expresses the cultural,
and moral state of their time through their literary characters. The works of the
English writer Somerset Maugham and the Uzbek writer Abdulla Kahhor are
distinctive examples of 20
th
century literature, in which human psychology and
moral dilemmas are explored in depth through their protagonists. This thesis
explores the similarities and differences between the characters in the works of
Somerset Maugham and Abdulla Kahhor, focusing on their literary style, cultural
context, and social significance. The aim is to help readers understand how human
nature is portrayed across different cultures and nations through the lens of these
two authors.
Yangi O'zbekiston taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o'rni va rivojlanish omillari
20-
to’plam
2-son Iyun 2025
361
Main div:
The characters in Somerset Maugham’s works often possess
complex psychological portraits that reveal the inner contradictions of human
nature. Most of them are compelled to make moral choices in real-life situations,
frequently torn between their emotions and social norms. Through his characters,
Maugham explores human weaknesses, desires, and anxieties. For example, in his
novel Of Human Bondage, the protagonist Philip Carey embodies the struggle of
inner turmoil and the search for self-identity
. Abdulla Kahhor’s characters are
largely shaped by the social environment and national mentality. They often
represent ordinary people who face the realities of daily life, traditional customs.
In Kahhor’s works, the characters’ loyalty, diligence, and lo
ve for life play a central
role. For example, in his short story
“Sinchalak”
, the main character Siddiq
reflects
inner conflict
between: t
raditional village life and modern thinking
,
p
ersonal desires and social expectations
, f
ear of judgment and the urge for
self-expression
. The leading character doesn
’
t search for identity in the same
individualistic way as Philip Carey, but there’s a strong
moral and psychological
tension
as he struggles with hypocrisy, self-respect, and integrity -
a culturally
rooted version of inner turmoil
.
Both authors’ characters share common themes
such as humanity, inner struggle, and moral choices. They both portray their main
heroes as realistic and relatable individuals, inviting readers to explore their inner
worlds more deeply. Moreover, each writer reveals contemporary human concerns
through the personal problems and social roles of their characters.While Somerset
Maugham’s characters are more inclined toward individualism and personal
freedom, Abdulla Kahhor’s characters are closely tied to social
obligations,
traditions, and national values. Maugham emphasizes psychological analysis in his
works, whereas Kahhor focuses more on social context and historical
circumstances, which greatly influence his characters’ lives. These differences
arise from the distinct cultural and historical backgrounds of the two authors.
Somerset Maugham’s works are often set within the context of Western society,
particularly the culture of the British middle and upper classes. Therefore, his
Yangi O'zbekiston taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o'rni va rivojlanish omillari
20-
to’plam
2-son Iyun 2025
362
characters frequently emphasize individual freedom, personal happiness, and
spiritual exploration. Maugham’s writings explore the human psyche in detail,
especially as it struggles against social norms and moral boundaries. Abdulla
Kahhor portrays the traditions, national values of the Uzbek people. His characters
often stand at the center of societal transformation and experience issues related to
national identity, spirituality, and customs. Therefore, the characters in Kahhor’s
works are typically depicted as individuals who feel a strong sense of social
responsibility and are often willing to sacrifice personal interests for the benefit of
the community. Maugham’s literary style is simple, clear, and rich in psychological
analysis. He reveals the inner world of his characters in depth and sometimes
highlights their weaknesses through irony and sarcasm. In his narratives, Maugham
pays particular attention to the emotional experiences of the individual. Kahhor, on
the other hand, places more emphasis on realism and moral-ethical themes in his
works. His style is close to national oral traditions, and his characters are closely
linked to real-life events and social conditions. Alongside their internal
experiences, Kahhor also highlights his characters’ social
roles and responsibilities
with high regard.
Conclusion:
The central characters in the works of Somerset Maugham and
Abdulla Kahhor reflect the complexity of human nature and explore moral and
social issues from different perspectives. Their characters share similarities such
as humanity, inner struggles, and moral choices, which both writers portray in their
unique literary styles. The differences mainly arise from cultural and social
contexts. Maugham’s characters emphasize individualism and personal freedom,
while Kahhor’s characters emdiv social
responsibility, national values, and
collective interests. These distinctions reflect the unique features of each writer’s
time and society. The literary legacy of Somerset Maugham and Abdulla Kahhor
contributes to a deep understanding of human psychology, society, and culture,
highlighting both the universal and unique aspects of humanity across different
nations and traditions.
Yangi O'zbekiston taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o'rni va rivojlanish omillari
20-
to’plam
2-son Iyun 2025
363
Used literature:
1. Maugham, W. Somerset. “Of Human Bondage.” London: Vintage Classics,
2000.
2. Jo‘rayev, O. “Abdulla Qahhor adabiy merosi.” Toshkent: Fan, 2005.
3. Karimova, N. “Adabiy taqqoslash usullari.”
-
O‘zbekiston Milliy
universiteti ilmiy maqolalar to‘plami, 2019.
4. Abdulxayev, A. “Ingliz va o‘zbek adabiyotida realizm an’analari.”
-
Filologiya fanlari nomzodi dissertatsiyasi, Toshkent, 2017.
5. https://www.britannica.com/biography/W-Somerset-Maugham
6.
zbek-nasri/Abdulla-Qahhor/
