THE VIEW OF LITERARY CRITICS’S TOWARDS J.STEWARD’S NOVELS

Аннотация

Many critics have shared their insightful opinions on J. Stuart’s novels, delving into the intricacies of her storytelling and unique writing style. They meticulously analyzed her works, exploring themes, character development, and narrative techniques, often comparing her approach to that of other prominent authors in her genre. By offering detailed commentary on her novels, critics have contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of J. Stuart’s literary contributions. In this article we analyze their opinions about J. Stuart’s works. Key words: moral, emotional impression, socio-cultural, stereotypes, implied author, reliable narrator. Sociologist J.H. Sparlock, while analyzing J. Stewart’s novels, argues that society cannot be separated from the individual, nor can the individual be separated from society.1 S. Reznichenko, in his interdisciplinary research, highlights that the sense of place can be viewed from three perspectives: socio-cultural (the connection to society, the contribution of social capital to shaping the attachment to a place); bio-physical (the influence of natural, territorial, climatic factors and the material-physical characteristics of the environment); and the integration of socio-cultural and bio-physical aspects in studying the connection to a place.2 Based on the views of literary scholars and sociologists, it can be said that J. Stewart, in Daughter of the Legend, shows that the characters suffer from the mixture of positive and negative feelings about their connection to place. Only through Dave’s defeat of this negative affliction does the author skillfully and artistically convey the idea that this is not an isolated struggle but one faced by all humanity. Only those who find serenity in their "nest" can experience true happiness. Another key poetic feature in Daughter of the Legend is the implied author (according to W. But’s theory). This concept refers to the unique “official writer” created by the author, who is not neutral toward values. The implied author is often expressed through a reliable narrator, guiding the reader intellectually, morally, and emotionally. This concept plays a significant role in the novel, as the story is narrated by Dave Stonking, a trustworthy narrator who directs the reader to correctly interpret events and themes.3 Dave’s neutrality allows him to describe the story sincerely and truthfully, making it easier to convey the author’s ideological message. The harmony between the implied author and the reliable narrator enhances the novel’s impact and leaves a deep moral and emotional impression on the reader. This is evidenced by a conversation between characters in the first chapter: 1 Stuart J. Daughter of the Legend. – USA: McGraw-Hill Company, 1965. – P. 147. 2 Stuart J. Daughter of the Legend. – USA: McGraw-Hill Company, 1965. – P. 147. 3 Spurlock, J. H. A Sociocultural and Rhetorical Analysis of Jesse Stuart’s Fiction. // A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Louisville, 1985. // P. 183. 80 ` “You see that mountain?” Deutsia said to me soon as we’d walked fifty yards from the jail. “Yes.” “We’re a different people, living there,” she said. “Do you live there?” “I do. That’s Sanctuary Mountain.” “How are you a different people?” “You’ll have to learn.”4 This conversation, introduced early in the novel, is gradually explored. The implied author attempts to solve complex, highly contradictory problems, analyzing the impact of social ills on the members of society.5 Through the reliable narrator (Dave Stonking) and other characters (Deisia, Ben, Hezzi), the novel examines ethnic, territorial, religious, professional, and educational stereotypes about the Appalachian people. By exposing these stereotypes, the author creates characters who struggle against them, seeking to live according to their personal identity. Characters like Dave Stonking, Deisia Hanton, and Fern Haylston remain free from cultural afflictions and form personal relationships with others.6 This reflects the implied author’s call to think beyond stereotypes and evaluate others based on their human qualities. This approach gives the novel a social and moral essence, conveying the author’s ideas about equality and humanity to the reader. This not only critiques stereotypes but also serves to celebrate the dignity and worth of humanity. In conclusion, J. Stewart, through the sense of belonging to place in Daughter of the Legend, analyzes the spirit of the times, addressing issues of racial discrimination, individual identity, and personality through various poetic approaches. By using the implied author, reliable narrator, and the shared experiences of characters, the author successfully achieves her conceptual goal. In conclusion, based on the opinions of numerous critics, J. Stuart has undeniably played an integral role in shaping modern American literature. Her novels are celebrated for their innovative blend of