THE LITERARY INTERPRETATION OF ECOLOGICAL IDEAS IN TOHIR MALIK’S WORKS

Abstract

This article examines the literary interpretation of ecological ideas in the works of the prominent Uzbek writer Tohir Malik. Although Malik is primarily known for his detective and socio-philosophical novels, a closer reading reveals a consistent engagement with environmental themes such as ecological responsibility, human–nature relations, moral degradation leading to environmental harm, and urban ecological concerns. Using textual analysis of selected works—including “Shaytanat,” “So’nggi o’q,” “Zilzila,” and several short stories—the study explores how Malik embeds ecological warnings into narrative structures, character development, and symbolic imagery. The findings suggest that Malik’s ecological discourse, while not overtly didactic, emerges as an integral part of his broader humanistic philosophy, highlighting environmental ethics as a dimension of moral and social stability.