SATIRICAL CHARACTERS IN THE SHORT STORIES OF O. HENRY AND GAFUR GULOM

Dekabr, 2025-Yil 234 SATIRICAL CHARACTERS IN THE SHORT STORIES OF O. HENRY AND GAFUR GULOM Nasridinova Sitora Utkirovna Assistant Teacher at Asia International University Teshayeva Zebo Ilhom qizi MA student at Asia International University, Bukhara e-mail: [email protected] https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18010586 Abstract. This thesis explores the use of satirical characters in the short stories of O. Henry and Gafur Gulom, focusing on how satire functions as a means of social criticism in American and Uzbek literary traditions. The study examines the portrayal of ordinary individuals whose actions and attitudes expose social injustice, moral weakness, and cultural contradictions. Through a comparative analysis, it is revealed that O. Henry primarily employs irony, subtle humor, and unexpected endings to create sympathetic satirical figures, whereas Gafur Gulom utilizes more direct, exaggerated, and socially grounded characterization to criticize ignorance, hypocrisy, and bureaucratic flaws. Despite differences in narrative style and cultural context, both authors use satire not merely for comic effect but as a humanistic tool to encourage moral reflection and social awareness. The findings demonstrate that satirical characters in both writers’ works serve as effective mirrors of society, highlighting universal human weaknesses across cultures. Keywords: satire, satirical characters, short stories, O. Henry, Gafur Gulom, humor, irony, social criticism, comparative literature, characterization. Introduction. Satire has long occupied a significant place in world literature as a powerful means of exposing social injustice, moral contradictions, and human weaknesses. Through humor, irony, and exaggeration, writers have employed satirical characterization to question accepted norms and provoke critical reflection. In short fiction, where brevity demands precision, satirical characters play a particularly important role in conveying social critique in a concentrated and effective form. O. Henry, a prominent figure in American literature, and Gafur Gulom, a major representative of Uzbek literature, are both renowned for their mastery of the short story and their distinctive use of satire. Although they wrote in different cultural, historical, and ideological contexts, both authors frequently focused on ordinary individuals whose everyday experiences reveal broader social realities. Their characters often embody contradictions between personal values and societal expectations, making them effective vehicles for satirical expression. Previous studies have examined satire in American and Uzbek literature separately; however, comparative research on satirical characterization in the works of O. Henry and Gafur Gulom remains limited. This gap highlights the need for a comparative approach that considers how satire functions across different literary traditions while addressing similar human and social concerns. Now we analyze the satirical characters in the short stories of O. Henry and Gafur Gulom. Satire has long been an effective literary tool for exposing social flaws, human weaknesses, and moral contradictions. Dekabr, 2025-Yil 235 Both O. Henry and Gafur Gulom skillfully employ satirical characters to reflect the realities of their respective societies. Despite differences in cultural and historical contexts, their works reveal notable similarities in the use of satire as a means of social criticism. In O. Henry’s short stories, satirical characters are often ordinary people—clerks, policemen, tramps, and smalltown citizens—whose behavior highlights irony and the absurdity of social norms. Characters such as Della and Jim in “The Gift of the Magi” and Soapy in “The Cop and the Anthem” are portrayed with gentle irony rather than harsh ridicule. Through these figures, O. Henry satirizes materialism, social inequality, and the illusion of the American Dream while maintaining a tone of humor and sympathy. Similarly, Gafur Gulom’s satirical characters reflect the everyday life of Uzbek society. In works such as Shum Bola and his satirical sketches, characters frequently represent ignorance, hypocrisy, bureaucratic rigidity, and outdated traditions. His satire is more direct and socially charged, often relying on exaggeration and realism to expose moral and intellectual shortcomings. These characters are deeply rooted in national realities, which enhances the critical impact of satire. Discussion. The findings of this study highlight the central role of satirical characters as instruments of social critique in the short fiction of both authors. Although O. Henry and Gafur Gulom belong to different literary traditions, satire functions in both cases as a reflective and corrective force aimed at exposing societal contradictions and moral weaknesses. A key difference lies in satirical tone and narrative strategy. O. Henry’s satire is indirect and subtle, relying on irony and unexpected endings to evoke empathy rather than overt judgment. In contrast, Gafur Gulom employs a more explicit and confrontational mode of satire, shaped by the socio-political conditions of Uzbek society and the didactic role of literature. Despite these differences, both writers share a humanistic approach. Their satirical characters are not merely objects of ridicule but representations of individuals shaped by social conditions. This perspective shifts the focus from personal failure to structural and cultural shortcomings. Conclusion. The study demonstrates that satirical characters play a vital role in revealing social realities in the short fiction of O. Henry and Gafur Gulom. Although the authors operate within different cultural and literary environments, their works expose similar moral and social weaknesses through humor and irony. O. Henry’s satire encourages empathy through subtle irony, while Gafur Gulom’s satire delivers sharper social criticism grounded in realism. Despite these stylistic differences, both writers employ satire as a constructive literary strategy. Their characters function as mirrors of society, encouraging readers to reassess ethical values and social norms. The research confirms that satirical characterization is a universal literary phenomenon capable of transcending cultural boundaries. References: 1. Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 7th edition. 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