INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1147
THE POETIC LANGUAGE AND STYLISTIC DIVERSITY IN KHAYRIDDIN
SULTON’S SHORT STORIES
Khayrullaev Botir Zarpulla ugli
2nd-year Master's student in Uzbek Language and Literature at Alfraganus University
Abstract:
This article analyzes the poetic language, stylistic variety, and expressive richness
found in the short stories of one of the prominent representatives of modern Uzbek literature—
Khayriddin Sulton. The study focuses on his individual narrative style, use of artistic devices
such as metaphors, epithets, and symbols, as well as the philosophical and lyrical-epic unity of
his works. The article also highlights the author’s contribution to the genre of short stories, his
approach to dialogue and character speech, and the national and spiritual depth present in his
literary language. The analysis is based on Sulton's complete div of short stories,
supplemented by scholarly critiques and literary studies.
Keywords:
Khayriddin Sulton, poetic language, stylistic diversity, artistic imagery, metaphor,
national spirit, narrative technique.
1.
Introduction
Khairiddin Sulton (Sultonov) is one of the prominent figures of modern Uzbek prose who
brought a fresh breath into the genre of the short story with his distinctive voice and unique
style. Born in 1956, the writer began to actively contribute to the development of this genre in
the 1980s through his realistic stories and novellas. His collections such as
“Saodat Sohili”
(2005)
,
“Yozning Yolghiz Yodgori” (2005)
,
“Ajoyib Kunlarning Birida” (2005)
, and
“Ko‘ngil
Ozodadur” (1986)
gained wide popularity among readers and have now become integral works
of the national literary heritage.
Khairiddin Sulton is not only a prose writer but also a playwright, poet, and skilled translator.
His translations of world authors such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Vasily Shukshin into
Uzbek contributed to the refinement of his language and stylistic mastery. As a result, his prose
is characterized not only by realistic depictions of life but also by a profound spiritual layer and
poetic depth.
This article examines the richness of Sulton's poetic language and stylistic diversity through an
analysis of his major short stories. It explores his place in the genre, the distinct features of his
language skills, his artistic expression, the national spirit and philosophical layers in his works,
the realism of dialogues and characters’ speech, and his individual style and composition. The
discussion also draws on literary scholars’ and critics’ evaluations and interpretations of his
works.
2.Materials and Methods
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1148
This study is based on the comprehensive analysis of Khayriddin Sulton’s short stories
published from the 1980s to the 2010s. The primary materials include his key story collections
such as “Ko‘ngil ozodadur” (The Heart Is Free), “Ajoyib kunlarning birida” (One of the
Wonderful Days), “Boburning tushlari” (Bobur’s Dreams), “Sahodat sohilida” (On the Shore of
Happiness), and “Yozning yolg‘iz yodgori” (The Lonely Memorial of Summer). These works
were selected for their strong poetic language, rich metaphorical imagery, and national-spiritual
content.
The study uses a qualitative literary analysis method, focusing on:
Textual analysis to identify metaphors, epithets, similes, and symbolic expressions.
Stylistic analysis to evaluate Sulton’s narrative techniques, syntactic features, and expressive
devices.
Comparative approach to examine traditional and modern literary styles within his prose.
Contextual interpretation based on the socio-historical and cultural settings embedded in the
narratives.
Additionally, critical reviews, scholarly articles, and commentaries by leading Uzbek literary
critics such as Ibrohim G‘afurov, T.Turdiev, and M.Eshmuhammedov were used as secondary
sources to support the thematic and stylistic interpretations. All analyses were carried out in the
original Uzbek language with reference to existing translations where available.
Khairiddin Sulton's Contribution to the Genre of the Short Story
Having been closely connected with journalism and literature since his youth, Khairiddin
Sulton entered the literary scene after graduating from the Faculty of Journalism at Tashkent
State University. Initially, he worked at literary journals such as
Guliston
and
Yoshlik
, and later
as an editor at various publishing houses, which brought him even closer to the process of
modern literary creation.
His first collections –
“Quyosh Barchaga Barobar” (1980)
and
“Bir Oqshom Ertagi” (1981)
–
already demonstrated his literary skill in realistically depicting life. His book
“Onamning
Yurti”
(1987) included several of his short stories and novellas. During the 1990s and the
independence era, Khairiddin Sulton gained recognition as a writer with a distinct voice in
Uzbek literature.
Among his literary works, the novella genre holds a special place. Through his novellas, he not
only addresses contemporary issues but also reinterprets the legacy of historical figures and
national spirituality. For example, his work
“Boburiynoma”
, dedicated to Zahiriddin
Muhammad Babur, is regarded as one of the pioneering educational-historical novels in Uzbek
literature. Moreover, his novellas such as
“Saodat Sohili”
,
“Oy Botgan Pallada”
,
“Panoh”
,
and
“Nuqta”
reflect the inner world of Babur and his intellectual legacy. He also created a
series of profound literary images dedicated to figures like Alisher Navoi and Abdulla Qodiriy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1149
These historical and cultural references have solidified Khairiddin Sulton's reputation as a
writer deeply rooted in national values and moral ideals. His unique position in the short story
genre lies in his ability to elevate traditional storytelling to new literary heights. As the literary
scholar Ibrohim G‘afurov notes, Sulton focuses particularly on the moral essence in the hearts
of ordinary people and portrays human virtues at their most sacred with exceptional literary
mastery.
In other words, Khairiddin Sulton reveals life’s truths through the lens of pure-hearted, ordinary
characters and thereby glorifies national spirit and humanistic ideals. His works such as
“Yozning Yolghiz Yodgori”
,
“Ajoyib Kunlarning Birida”
,
“Boburning Tushlari”
, and
“Umr
Esa O‘tmoqda”
have been loved by readers for decades and are highly regarded from a literary
point of view.
Notably, literary scholars such as T. Turdiev emphasized in 2019 that even after re-reading
these four novellas, they continue to offer new meanings and still possess the power to surprise
readers, despite the passage of time. This indicates that Khairiddin Sulton’s works remain alive
and relevant, not just as temporary literary trends but as pieces of enduring artistic and
philosophical value.
Stylistic Features of Poetic Language
Khairiddin Sulton enriches the language of his works with exceptional expressiveness and
diversity. In his prose, both simple, everyday expressions and elevated, poetic phrases
harmoniously coexist, creating a profound emotional effect on the reader. The author attaches
great importance to revealing the richness and eloquence of the Uzbek language—his texts
contain words from different lexical layers, historical terms, proverbs, and newly coined
figurative expressions.
For example, in the novella
“Ko‘ngil Ozodadur”
, the author frequently uses folk proverbs, wise
sayings, and archaic expressions, which imbue the language of the story with a traditional and
folkloric spirit. Moreover, these phrases, when placed in new contexts, gain deeper meanings
and serve to enhance the artistic level of the work—a point noted by various researchers. Indeed,
in his works, Sulton creates profound psychological images and generalizations through
language. The inner experiences and emotional states of his characters are revealed through
unique stylistic devices.
His stylistic mastery is particularly evident in his ability to generate poetic rhythm within
narrative passages. The descriptive parts of Sulton’s novellas often carry lyrical breath: he
depicts natural landscapes with tender lyricism, and the inner reflections of his characters are
expressed with philosophical nuance. For instance, in
“Ko‘ngil Ozodadur”
, the spiritual
torment and dreams of the protagonist, Gulomjon, are conveyed through figurative language
and introspective monologue that flows throughout the entire narrative. This style allows for
deep psychological insight into the character and evokes strong empathy in the reader.
Therefore, Sulton’s prose achieves what can be described as a “lyrical-epic harmony”—his
works are emotionally rich and touching (lyrical), while also narratively dense and event-driven
(epic). Literary scholars analyzing his language highlight several key characteristics:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1150
Firstly, Sulton skillfully employs
imitative styles
, realistically reconstructing the speech of
historical figures and the language of specific eras. For instance, in his novella
“Panoh”
, which
depicts the life of Babur's era, the characters' dialogues immediately convey a sense of
historical color through the use of classical Uzbek literary vocabulary and rhetorical forms. This
demonstrates the breadth of the author’s linguistic competence.
Secondly, his prose is marked by extensive use of the expressive capacities of language:
emotionally charged vocabulary, repetition, rhythmic structure, and sound devices such as
alliteration
and
assonance
enhance the impact of the text.
In conclusion, through his poetic language, Khairiddin Sulton crafts a type of prose that not
only narrates events but also deeply conveys the emotional and psychological dimensions of his
characters. His style is rich, expressive, and artistically polished, capable of deeply resonating
with readers on multiple levels.
National Spirit, Philosophical Meaning, and Lyrical-Epic Harmony
In Khairiddin Sulton’s novellas, the breath of national spirit is vividly present. The writer
deeply connects his narratives with the ancient traditions, historical memory, and national
values of the Uzbek people. For instance, he frequently refers to folk proverbs, skillfully
incorporating them into the dialogues of his characters, thereby imbuing his works with an
authentic folkloric tone.
Researchers have remarked: “In his novellas, the writer uses Uzbek folk proverbs—part of the
nation's rich heritage—with great skill and sensitivity. This not only elevates the artistic level of
the work but also ensures its deep national resonance.” Indeed, proverbs and idioms are the
distilled wisdom of generations, and their appearance in a text immediately evokes national
imagery and emotion in the reader’s consciousness. Khairiddin Sulton uses this potential with
great mastery, endowing his narratives with a strong sense of national identity.
The author also evokes national consciousness by turning to historical themes and heroic
figures. As previously noted, he creates literary portraits of well-known individuals such as
Babur, Navoi, and Qodiriy. In works like
“Saodat Sohili”
, Babur is portrayed in all his
complexity—his inner doubts and hopes, moments of defeat and triumph are captured with rich
artistic color. Through this, the author conveys a part of national history to modern readers in a
vivid, aesthetic form.
In
“Ko‘ngil Ozodadur”
, he refers to Mahmudhoja Behbudiy’s classic work
“Zarbulmasal”
,
thereby emphasizing the timeless value of national-spiritual treasures. The protagonist
Gulomjon’s process of engaging with this classical text, and his struggle against the social
injustices of his time, form a powerful artistic expression of the unity between the past and
present. This shows how national-cultural heritage retains its importance in addressing modern-
day challenges.
Khairiddin Sulton's works are also rich in
philosophical meaning
. Behind the surface of events
and characters, one often finds deeper, universal questions. For example, in
“Ko‘ngil
Ozodadur”
, the story of Gulomjon raises issues of justice and conscience. According to literary
scholars, this novella “narrates the fate of a simple man inspired by the historically bounded
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1151
Zarbulmasal
, yet it reveals the timeless truth that injustice knows no boundaries of time or
place.”
Indeed, the oppression and ugliness depicted in the story are not limited to Gulomjon’s era—
they are presented as persistent evils throughout human history. In this sense, the work
transcends its historical context and acquires a broader philosophical dimension.
Other works by Sulton, such as
“Ajoyib Kunlarning Birida”
(
One of the Wonderful Days
), also
contain deep reflections on the truths of life and human choice. Through seemingly ordinary
characters, he poses profound existential questions—about the struggle between good and evil,
destiny and free will, love and duty. These themes become the philosophical core of his
narratives, giving his prose a distinctly lyrical-philosophical tone.
The concept of
“lyrical-epic harmony”
in Sulton’s writing refers precisely to his ability to
weave philosophical reflections seamlessly into the narrative structure. As a storyteller, he
crafts engaging plots, yet within these storylines, the inner emotional and psychological world
of his characters is gently revealed through lyrical undertones.
For instance, in the novella
“The Great Amir and Donna Maria”
, along with fearless
adventures and dramatic situations, the narrative also contains poetic emotions and romantic
elements. The story, through its unconventional artistic solutions and modern interpretation of
classical motifs, leaves a lasting impression on both readers and theatrical audiences. Thus,
while Sulton adheres to dynamic and dramatic narrative construction, he never neglects
unforgettable poetic moments—this points to the deep integration of lyrical and epic elements
in his style.
One may assert that Khairiddin Sulton’s novellas simultaneously
inspire the soul and provoke
deep thought
—achieving such dual impact is not easily accomplished in literature. This is
precisely why his works are held in high esteem by both general readers and literary critics.
3.Discussion and Analysis Based on Scientific and Literary Sources
Khairiddin Sulton's literary work has been extensively studied and highly praised by literary
scholars. Numerous articles and studies have examined his style, poetics, and artistic expression.
For example, in her article analyzing proverbs in the novella
“Ko‘ngil Ozodadur”
, researcher
Sh.S. Tursunova explores the author’s language from a lexical-stylistic perspective,
emphasizing that Sulton uses his narratives to showcase the rich expressive potential of the
Uzbek language. She highlights how the writer revives traditional proverbs and idioms,
assigning them new meanings and placing them into fresh literary contexts—an observation
that fully supports the conclusions discussed earlier.
This confirms that Sulton deliberately aligns his language with the national spiritual identity,
using it not only as a tool for expression but also to elevate the artistic value of his texts.
Prominent literary critics have acknowledged the way Sulton addresses moral and social issues
and resolves them through powerful artistic means. Scholars like Ibrohim G‘afurov have
emphasized Sulton's talent in portraying the lives of ordinary people with sincere emotional
depth, accurately reflecting the hardships and hopes of the people.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1152
Moreover, literary scholar M. Eshmuhammedov describes
“Ko‘ngil Ozodadur”
as a “narrative
that, while rooted in historical foundations, conveys the issues of contemporary times with
originality.” According to him, through the character of Gulomjon, Sulton promotes the idea of
moral resistance against social injustice and crafts not merely a story, but a deeply
philosophical and wise tale.
The critical reception of Sulton's works over time is also remarkably positive. As mentioned
earlier, Toshte’mir Turdiyev (an Honored Cultural Worker of Uzbekistan), upon rereading
several of Sulton's novellas in 2019, noted that they continue to offer readers a sense of
renewed appreciation and inspiration. He emphasized that certain vivid images from the stories
written 30–40 years ago still remain in memory and, upon rereading, evoke new emotional
responses—evidence of their lasting artistic value.
Turdiyev also acknowledges that Sulton, as a writer well-versed in the classics, especially in the
works of Abdulla Qodiriy, skillfully modernizes the ideas of this great predecessor in his own
way. It is worth noting that Sulton wrote a screenplay based on Qodiriy’s
“Mehrobdan
Chayon”
and contributed to literary criticism through essays such as
“Shoirona, Darveshona
bir Ma’no”
, thus actively engaging in literary thought and reflection.
These contributions reflect the breadth and versatility of Sulton's intellectual and creative
worldview. Some literary discussions surrounding his work have focused on unique stylistic
features. For instance, some critics argue that in several of his stories, Sulton leaves the ending
intentionally open—refraining from offering clear resolutions or direct moral instructions.
Instead, he adopts an
observer
position, allowing the reader to interpret the situation and draw
conclusions independently.
This is evident in
“Ko‘ngil Ozodadur”
, where the conflict between Gulomjon and Shodiyor is
not clearly resolved; rather, the emotional outcome is left to the reader’s judgment. Young
analyst Sevinchkhon Botirkhonova has commented that such open endings actually enhance the
emotional impact of the story, inviting deeper engagement and reflection.
Thus, literary criticism reveals a range of perspectives on Sulton’s artistic methods, yet there is
consensus on one point: the author successfully merges classical traditions with modern
interpretation, creating works that invite open dialogue and analysis. Based on these evaluations,
it becomes evident that Sulton's creativity is multifaceted and deserving of critical acclaim on
various levels. Nonetheless, all scholars agree that through his poetic language, stylistic
innovation, and profound engagement with spiritual and moral themes, Khairiddin Sulton has
established a significant presence in modern Uzbek literature.
As literary critic Bahodir Karim once noted, the rereading of Sulton's works continually reveals
new layers and meanings, making them timeless literary artifacts with enduring appeal for
future generations.
4.Conclusion
In conclusion, Khairiddin Sulton has made a substantial contribution to the development of the
Uzbek short story genre. His poetic language is compelling, and his stylistic range is rich and
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1153
diverse. In his novellas, national spirit and lifelike realism are harmoniously intertwined,
captivating readers and stimulating deep reflection.
Thanks to his masterful use of poetic language and literary devices, Sulton’s prose attains high
literary quality without losing its grounding in realism. Through epithets, metaphors, and
symbols, he adds multiple layers of meaning to his narratives; by incorporating proverbs and
wise sayings into his text, he glorifies national spirituality and culture.
His skill in rendering dialogue and character speech brings his works closer to the oral
traditions of everyday life, giving the reader the sense of listening to a heartfelt conversation
among family members. His individual style and compositional innovations give each story a
unique face, elevating him to a distinctive status in contemporary literature.
The analysis of Khairiddin Sulton's short stories demonstrates that they are not only highly
regarded by literary scholars but are also warmly received by a broad readership. Due to their
poetic language, vivid imagery, and eternal themes, his works remain valuable for every
generation of readers.
Thus, Khairiddin Sulton's literary legacy can rightfully be considered a source of pride in
modern Uzbek literature. His poetic diction and stylistic richness will undoubtedly continue to
serve as a rich resource for future research and literary exploration.
List of used literature:
1. Tursunova, Sh. S. (2021). Analysis of Proverbs in the Short Story
“Ko‘ngil ozodadur”
. In
Collected Scientific Articles of the Institute of Language and Literature of the Academy of
Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(pp. 74–78). Tashkent.
2. G‘afurov, I. (2007).
Living Traditions of Uzbek Literature
. Uzbekistan Literature and Art,
(17), 12–13.
3. Eshmuhammedov, M. (2020). National Spirit and Philosophical Content in Khayriddin
Sulton's
“Ko‘ngil ozodadur”
.
Philological Issues
, (4), 44–49. Tashkent: Fan.
4. Turdiev, T. (2019). Khayriddin Sulton’s Prose: Yesterday and Today. In
Proceedings of the
Republican Scientific-Practical Conference “Literary Criticism and Modern Prose”
(pp.
27–30). Tashkent.
5. Karim, B. (2014).
Foundations of Literary Analysis
. Tashkent: Fan va texnologiya. 256
pages.
6. Sulton, Kh. (1986).
Ko‘ngil ozodadur
.
Saodat
, (4). Tashkent.
7. Sulton, Kh. (2005).
Saodat sohilida
.
Yoshlik Journal
, (3). Tashkent.
8. Sulton, Kh. (2005).
Ajoyib kunlarning birida
. Tashkent: G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing House
of Literature and Art.
9. Botirkhonova, S. (2022).
The Psychological Impact of Open-End Plots in Khayriddin
Sulton’s Stories
. In
Theoretical and Practical Research of Young Scholars
(pp. 112–115).
Samarkand.
10. Sulton, Kh. (2010).
Shoirona, darveshona bir ma’no: Essays, Articles, Translations
.
Tashkent: Yangi asr avlodi. 196 pages.
11. Khayrullayev, Q. (2025).
The Degree of Study of Frustration Problems in Modern
Psychology
.
Tamaddun Nuri Journal
, 1(64), 150–152.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1154
12. Khayrullayev, Q. (2025).
Psychological Methods for Diagnosing Frustration in Students
.
Academic Research in Modern Science
, 4(1), 194–196.
13. Khayrullayev, Q. (2025).
Modern Psychological Methods for Developing Frustration
Tolerance in Students
. In
International Conference on Academic Sciences
, 4(1).
14. oʻgʻli, X. Q. Z., & qizi, S. S. D. (2025). Psychological Characteristics of the Manifestation
of Frustration in Adolescent Students. American Journal of Open University Education,
2(1),
111–115.
Retrieved
from
https://scientificbulletin.com/index.php/AJOUP/article/view/610
15. ugli, K. K. Z. (2025). SOCIAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FRUSTRATION
AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. International Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience and
Psychology,
3(4),
100–103.
Retrieved
from
https://medicaljournals.eu/index.php/IJCNP/article/view/1770
