SHIRIN AND JULIANA: THE EARLIEST FEMALE FIGURES IN UZBEK AND ENGLISH LITERATURE

Аннотация

This article examines two iconic female characters from Uzbek and English literature: Shirin and Juliana. Shirin, originating from the works of Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi, is celebrated as a symbol of love, beauty, and resilience in Eastern literary tradition. Her story in Khosrow and Shirin explores themes of romance, sacrifice, and empowerment, showcasing her as both a devoted lover and a capable ruler. In contrast, Juliana, a central figure in Cynewulf’s “Juliana”, represents unwavering faith and moral strength in Anglo-Saxon literature. She defies societal and patriarchal expectations to remain steadfast in her Christian beliefs, ultimately embodying spiritual endurance and martyr-like heroism. By comparing Shirin and Juliana, the article highlights their shared virtues of courage and devotion while emphasizing their cultural differences—Shirin as a romantic heroine and Juliana as a champion of faith. These characters reflect the values and ideals of their respective literary traditions, offering timeless lessons on love, sacrifice, and moral integrity. Key words: Female figures in literature, romantic heroine, spiritual devotion, comparative analysis, Eastern literary tradition, love and sacrifice, faith and martyrdom, cultural values in