Typology Of Women's Images In The Uzbekistan Heroic Epic And Their Educational Content

Abstract

The article proposes an integral typology of female characters in the Uzbek heroic epic based on the material of the epics "Alpomish" and "Rustamkhon". On the criteria of the character's family and social status, her function within the plot, and the moral value she embodies, four types are distinguished: the mother (Huroyim), the faithful beloved (Barchin, Oftoboy), the devoted helper (Khimchaoyim, Tovka, Qaldirghoch, the forty bondwomen), and the negative "maston" character (Momagul, Surkhayil). The value embodied by each type and its educational function are determined through quotations from the epic texts and the analysis of episodes. It is substantiated that the "anti-ideal" mechanism of the negative character forms a criterion of moral judgement in the young generation through polarisation with the positive characters. Since the devoted-helper type includes bondwomen, the necessity of a critical interpretation of this group is emphasised separately. Possibilities of applying the typology in literature lessons, educational hours and family upbringing are shown. The conclusions are significant for the theory of national upbringing and for the study of the pedagogical potential of folklore.