WOMEN’S VOICES IN UZBEK AND ENGLISH LITERATURE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Women’s voices in literature have long been a subject of study, often reflecting the struggles, aspirations, and evolving roles of women within society. This article explores the comparative development of women’s literary voices in Uzbek and English traditions, focusing on how female writers have challenged patriarchal norms and created spaces for self-expression. Using feminist literary criticism as a framework, the study analyses selected works by English writers such as Charlotte Brontë, Virginia Woolf, and Maya Angelou, alongside Uzbek poets and authors including Zulfiya, Saida Zunnunova, and Halima Khudoyberdiyeva. The analysis highlights both shared themes—such as oppression, resilience, and the search for identity—and unique cultural contexts shaping women’s writing. While English women’s literature often emphasizes individual emancipation and intellectual freedom, Uzbek women’s voices tend to focus on collective identity, cultural preservation, and moral strength. This comparative approach underlines the universality of women’s struggles, while also recognising the importance of cultural specificity in shaping literary expression. Ultimately, the article argues that women’s voices in literature, whether in Uzbekistan or England, provide critical insights into gender, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.