The Role of Women in Society in 18th-20th Century English and

Uzbek Literature

Sitorabonu Uktamovna Tursunova

Navoi Innovations University, Navoi, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Portrayal, Gender Roles, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Feminism, Complexion, The Resilience, Sexual

Polarization, Embodying Resilience.

Abstract: This article explores the portrayal of women in English literature spanning the 18th to the 20th centuries,

shedding light on evolving societal attitudes towards gender roles. It delves into the struggles, triumphs, and

changing roles of women across different historical periods. By analysing various literary works, the research

reveals shifting social norms and expectations regarding women. The paper emphasises the diversity of

perspectives on women's place and role in society within the selected literary pieces. From the 20th century

onwards, particularly during and after the First World War, women began to challenge traditional gender

stereotypes and assert their identities. This shift is reflected in English literature, with many feminist writers

emerging to depict more nuanced relationships between men and women. The emergence of feminism as a

concept is evident during this period, highlighting women's oppression in a male-dominated world.

Additionally, the article considers the contemporary situation of Uzbek women, addressing issues such as ego

conflicts and misunderstandings, and their desire to be heard and respected in society, despite enduring

generational struggles.

1 INTRODUCTION

This study explores the portrayal of female characters

in English literature across different periods,

including Romanticism, Enlightenment, Victorian,

and modernist literature, aiming to understand how

these portrayals reflect and challenge women's roles

in society. By examining the works of both male and

female authors, the study seeks to uncover the

intricate relationship between literature and the

evolving sociocultural environment, particularly as

gender dynamics change over time. In the early 20th

century, women's literature began to gain

prominence, marking a departure from traditional

male-dominated narratives. Authors such as James

Joyce, Dorothy Richardson, Virginia Woolf, and D.

H. Lawrence experimented with gender roles,

highlighting the differences in perspective and

experiences between men and women. Notable

writers like Jane Austen provided insightful

commentary on women's societal expectations in the

18th century, depicting female characters who

challenged conventional norms. As society

progressed, literature began to reflect changing

attitudes towards women's rights and opportunities,

with works like Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre"

exploring the struggles of women in Victorian

society. The emergence of feminist criticism in the

latter part of the 20th century further underscored the

importance of literature as a reflection of societal

values and beliefs, particularly regarding gender

equality and women's rights.

2 ANALYSIS

Feminist literary analysis emerged formally in the

1960s, yet its roots extend deep into history, marked

by centuries of discourse on women's rights and

societal roles. Across different epochs and cultures,

women have faced systemic oppression, beginning

with their birth, where they were immediately

subjected to paternal authority, labour, and often early

marriage, with scant regard for their own desires. In

ancient India and Greece, women were relegated to

domestic roles, devoid of autonomy, and considered

the property of men, while in Victorian literature, the

"angel in the house" ideal coexisted with burgeoning

feminist movements challenging traditional norms.

524

Tursunova, S.

The Role of Women in Society in 18th-20th Century English and Uzbek Literature.

DOI: 10.5220/0012875000003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 524-526

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

Writers like Jane Austen and George Eliot depicted

female characters striving for independence,

reflecting the shifting societal attitudes towards

women's roles.

Antiphon and Pythagoras, among others,

advocated for gender equality, countering the

prevailing subjugation of women in ancient China

and the Arabian Peninsula. In Uzbek literature,

women's roles echoed those in English works,

portraying their resilience within traditional norms

while also advocating for autonomy and challenging

societal conventions.

Contemporary literature continues this

exploration, with Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand

Suns" providing a poignant depiction of Afghan

women's struggles and resilience across generations.

Through characters like Maryam, Aziza, and Laila,

the novel sheds light on the oppressive environment

faced by Afghan women while expressing optimism

for a brighter future. It urges universal respect and

dignity towards women, lamenting their mistreatment

and advocating for their empowerment.

By examining these narratives spanning different

periods and cultures, we gain profound insights into

the evolving roles and representations of women in

literature. These portrayals unveil the intricate

interplay between literature and societal norms,

illustrating how literature serves as both a reflection

of and a catalyst for change in societal perceptions of

gender.

The emergence of feminist literary criticism in the

1960s marked a pivotal moment in literary analysis,

shining a spotlight on the representation of women in

literature and the broader societal implications of

these portrayals. While the roots of feminist discourse

extend far into history, the formalisation of feminist

literary criticism provided a framework for scholars

to critically examine the depiction of women in

literature and its impact on shaping societal attitudes

towards gender roles.

Through close analysis of literary works from

various periods, feminist critics have explored how

female characters are portrayed, how these portrayals

evolve over time, and how they challenge or reinforce

societal norms regarding gender. By examining the

ways in which female and male authors construct

gender in their works, feminist critics have uncovered

the complex relationship between literature and the

sociocultural environment, revealing how shifts in the

status and roles of women are reflected in literary

representations.

3 RESULT

"I am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai vividly exposes

the brutal realities endured by Pakistani women under

Taliban rule. Yousafzai's narrative vividly depicts the

harrowing ordeals faced by women and girls,

including raids on Afghan homes by Taliban forces

resulting in rape and murder. In such dire

circumstances, individuals often resort to desperate

measures, such as illegal border crossings, to protect

their loved ones from harm. Unfortunately, even

refugee camps offer little sanctuary, as the Taliban

frequently infiltrate them to perpetrate further

atrocities.

Yousafzai underscores the dire consequences of

innocent lives lost in ongoing conflicts perpetuated by

vested interests. She argues that the root cause of such

tragedies lies in the neglect of education. Yousafzai

advocates for a renewed focus on education as a

means to combat violence and promote progress. She

contends that prioritizing education and moral

development in future generations is essential for

effecting positive societal change.

In today's global context, there is a concerted

effort to advance women's rights, improve their legal

and socioeconomic status, and promote girls'

education. However, remnants of discriminatory laws

and oppressive practices persist in some societies,

underscoring the ongoing struggle for gender

equality. Women equipped with critical thinking

skills can provide effective guidance to their children,

highlighting the pivotal role of education in fostering

societal change.

In Uzbek literature, the portrayal of women's

rights has been a recurring theme. Writers like Zulfiya

Kurolboy, Risolat Haydarova, and Jamila Ergasheva

have depicted women's experiences in their novels,

leaving a lasting impact on readers. These writers

explore themes of female empowerment, resilience,

and strength, challenging established norms and

advocating for gender equality.

Female characters in modernist literature often

grapple with changing social dynamics, questioning

traditional gender roles and seeking autonomy.

Female authors during this period have played a

significant role in shaping the representation of

women in literature, offering diverse perspectives and

challenging societal norms. Works in both English

and Uzbek literature reflect on women's lives, family

dynamics, societal roles, and relationships,

addressing persistent issues that resonate with

contemporary audiences.

Zulfiya Kurolboy's novels delve into the

complexities of women's lives, exploring themes of

determination, family, and love. Risolat Haydarova's

works offer unique insights into the female psyche,

The Role of Women in Society in 18th-20th Century English and Uzbek Literature

525

while Jamila Ergasheva's stories captivate readers

with their emotional depth and sharp plots. These

writers skillfully navigate the intricacies of women's

experiences, shedding light on their aspirations,

struggles, and joys in society.

The narratives in these works offer poignant

reflections of the realities faced by women, urging

readers to engage critically with issues of gender

equality and women's empowerment. By studying

and discussing these narratives, readers gain deeper

insights into the evolving roles and representations of

women in literature, fostering a greater understanding

of their place and significance within society.

4 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the examination of women's roles in

English literature spanning the 18th to the 20th

centuries reveals a nuanced understanding of gender

dynamics. Authors have depicted female characters

navigating societal expectations within patriarchal

frameworks, shedding light on both the obstacles and

aspirations of women. These works contribute to

ongoing discussions on gender equality and personal

agency, remaining relevant in the broader context of

world literature. They offer valuable perspectives on

historical and cultural interpretations of women's

roles, enriching our understanding of societal norms

and the evolving status of women.

Thank you for sharing this insightful article,

which explores the portrayal of women in English and

Uzbek literature. By comparing cultural and historical

contexts, it provides essential insights into the diverse

representations of women across different literary

traditions. This comparative approach underscores

the importance of acknowledging and appreciating

the complexities in depicting women's experiences,

ultimately enhancing our understanding of gender

dynamics in literature and society

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Hosseini, Kh. (2007). A Thousand Suns. New York:

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