THE INTERPRETATION OF MOTHER IMAGE IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

Аннотация

The article discusses national traditions in the expression of the image of mother in English literature. It shows the portrayal of motherhood is based on English national values, culture and traditions in the literature. Key words: motherhood, national traditions, cultural heritage, society, nature, homeland. Аннотация. В статье рассматриваются национальные традиции выражения образа матери в английской литературе. В статье показано, как изображается образ матери в английской литературе на основе национальных ценностях, культуры и традиций Ключевые слова: материнство, национальные традиции, культурное наследие, общество, природа, родина. Annotatsiya. Ushbu maqolada ingliz adabiyotida ona timsolini ifodalashda milliy an’analar ko’rinishi ifodalab berilgan. Maqolada ingliz adabiyotidagi ona obrazini milliy qadriyatlar, madaniyat va urf odatlar orqali qanday ochib berilishi haqida keltirib o’tilgan. Kalit so’zlar: ona obrazi, milliy qadriyatlar, madaniy meros, jamiyat , tabiat, ona vatan. In English literature, the mother image is often a complex and multifaceted archetype. Many works depict mothers as sources of comfort and support. This archetype emphasizes the nurturing aspects of motherhood, illustrating the bond between mother and child. Mothers are frequently portrayed as sacrificing their own desires for the well-being of their children. This theme highlights the ideal of maternal love and devotion. In some narratives, the mother figure assumes a controlling role, representing societal expectations and pressures. This can lead to tension and conflict within family dynamics. Literature often contrasts the idealized mother with the flawed human reality. Characters may grapple with the expectations of motherhood versus their actual experiences. Some texts challenge traditional mother archetypes, exploring themes of maternal ambivalence or rebellion against societal norms, offering a more nuanced portrayal of women's roles. The interpretation of the mother image can vary significantly across different cultures and historical periods, reflecting societal values and changing gender roles. Examples of works that explore the mother image include "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, which examines the consequences of maternal absence, and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, which delves into the complexities of motherhood within the context of slavery. In "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, the image of motherhood is complex and multifaceted, largely defined by absence and neglect. Victor Frankenstein’s mother, Caroline, represents an idealized, nurturing figure. Her death deeply impacts Victor, leaving a void in his emotional life. This absence contributes to his obsessive quest for knowledge and creation, reflecting a longing for maternal care. The Creature symbolizes a tragic absence of motherhood. Created without a mother, he experiences profound loneliness and seeks companionship and acceptance. His rejection by 27 ILM-FAN VA INNOVATSIYA ILMIY-AMALIY KONFERENSIYASI in-academy.uz/index.php/si society mirrors a lack of maternal nurturing, leading to feelings of abandonment and rage. Victor’s failure to take responsibility for his creation can be seen as a maternal failure. His abandonment of the Creature results in tragic consequences, highlighting the importance of nurturing in human development. Victor’s desire to transcend natural boundaries by creating life represents a rebellion against traditional maternal roles. His pursuit ultimately results in destruction rather than creation, suggesting the dangers of neglecting the nurturing aspect of motherhood. The novel raises questions about the influence of maternal care on identity and behavior. The Creature's violent tendencies stem from his lack of nurturing, emphasizing the critical role of a mother figure in shaping an individual. In summary, "Frankenstein" presents a nuanced exploration of motherhood, emphasizing themes of absence, neglect, and the essential need for nurturing in human life. In "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, the image of motherhood is central and deeply complex, reflecting themes of love, trauma, and sacrifice. Sethe, the protagonist, embodies the extreme sacrifices a mother makes for her children. Her decision to kill her daughter rather than allow her to be enslaved illustrates the desperation and depth of her maternal love. Sethe's experiences of slavery profoundly affect her motherhood. The trauma she endures impacts her ability to nurture, leading to emotional distance and haunting memories that shape her relationship with her surviving children. Despite the trauma, the bonds between mothers and their children are portrayed as powerful and enduring. Sethe's love for her children drives her actions and informs her identity, emphasizing the strength of maternal connections. The character of Beloved, who represents Sethe’s deceased daughter, serves as a haunting reminder of loss and the unresolved pain of motherhood. Beloved’s return challenges Sethe to c