Symbolic and Satirical Representation of Society: Social Vices In “The Little Prince” And “Riding the Yellow Giant”

Аннотация

This article focuses on the artistic interpretation of social vices in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s “The Little Prince” and Khudoyberdi Tokhtaboyev’s “Riding the Yellow Giant”. The article examines the writers’ attention to social issues and their depiction through symbolic and satirical images. In “The Little Prince” various characters symbolically represent issues such as the neglect of spiritual values, materialism, careerism, and egotism. Meanwhile, Khudoyberdi Tokhtaboyev’s “Riding the yellow giant” satiricallay portrays careerism, deceit, and the indifference of adults toward children. The article provides a comparative analysis of the characters in both works, highlightining their role in revealing social problems. Additionally, it emphasizes the authors’ call for the moral rejuvenation of society. The article underscores the importance of artistic interpretation of societal moral issues and the lessons cobveyed to readers. Keywords: Social vices in society, satirical symbolic images, writers’ attention to social issues, careerism, egoism, fraud, comparative analysis. also encourage readers to reject these harmful Introduction: Literature serves as a mirror reflecting behaviors. society. Through their works, writers not only reveal the internal emotions and feelings of individuals but Numerous great writers in both world and Uzbek also shed light on various societal vices. Literature helps literature have explored societal flaws in their works. society understand itself by highlighting shortcomings They often use symbolic characters to reflect these and their consequences. Social vices often contradict issues. fundamental human values such as justice, humanity, For instance, Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in and spirituality. By addressing these flaws, authors aim Wonderland” uses symbolic imagery to critique societal to influence readers’ hearts and inspire them toward rules, the pursuit of power, and the erosion of moral goodness. norms. Literature serves as a critical tool in world literature. Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” similarly explores Literature frequently serves as a critical tool. By social shortcomings through symbolic characters. depicting shortcomings, writers demonstrate the need Though regarded as a children’s book, it delves into for societal reforms. This critical approach fosters societal flaws and human imperfection through its change and motivates readers to become more allegorical narrative. enlightened, cultured, and conscious. Works of In “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, literature that focus on social flaws not only criticize but moral degradation, adults’ obsession with material American Journal Of Philological Sciences 160 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN – 2771-2273) wealth, and the neglect of human values are depicted As proof of my statement above, I will present the symbolically. following excerpt: Uzbek children’s literature also employs symbolic “On the next planet lived a drunkard. The Little Prince forms to portray societal flaws and issues, offering didn’t stay there long, but within a short time, he felt young readers entertaining yet thought-provoking deeply distressed. stories. When he stepped onto the planet, the drunkard was For example, Togay Murod’s “oydinda yurgan odamlar” silently staring at the empty and full bottles in front of highlights the erosion of compassion and human values him. “What are you doing?” asked the Little Prince. through symbolic characters. “I’m drinking,” replied the drunkard with a frown. Another example is Mirzakalon Ismoiliy’s “Farg’ona “Why?” O’g’lonlari”, which teaches children patriotism and self- “To forget.” worth while symbolically exploring responsibility and duty to society. “Forget what?” asked the Little Prince, feeling sorry for him. Khudoyberdi Tokhtaboyev’s “Riding the Yellow Giant” and other works like “The magic hat” and “The land of “That I’m ashamed of myself,” admitted the drunkard, sweet melons” also use symbolic characters to criticize bowing his head. greed, deceit, and other vices. In “Riding the yellow “Ashamed of what?” asked the Little Prince, eager to giant”, themes such as selfishness and the pursuit of help the poor man. wealth are humorously portrayed, making the message “Of drinking!” said the drunkard, and he fell silent accessible to young readers. again. Comparative analysis of both works. The “Vain Man” symbolizes egotism, and a thirst for In “The Little Prince”, Antoine de Saint-Exupery uses admiration. He cares only about being praised and philosophical and symbolic approaches to portray places himself above others. This character embodies societal flaws through various characters. For instance, humanity’s excessive self-centeredness. materialism and greed are depicted through the Through the “Geograoher”, the author critiques “Businessman” character. This character is obsessed theoretical knowledge without prac