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THE VIEW OF LITERARY CRITICS’S TOWARDS J.STEWARD’S NOVELS
O.X. Ganiyeva
PhD, Associate Professor
Bukhara State University
o.x.ganieva@buxdu.uz
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14556941
Abstract:
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.
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“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 various stylistic devices and narrative styles, which set her apart from her
contemporaries. Through her use of vivid imagery, complex character development, and
thought-provoking themes, Stuart has created works that resonate deeply with readers and
critics alike. Her ability to seamlessly integrate elements of traditional storytelling with
experimental techniques demonstrates her versatility as a writer. As a result, J. Stuart’s
contributions continue to influence and inspire the evolving landscape of American literary
tradition.
References:
1.
Stuart J. Foretaste of Glory. With an Introduction by Robert J. Higgs. – USA: The
University Press of Kentucky, 1946. – P. VIII.
4
Reznichenko, S. Place Attachment and Sense of Place: Models and Phenomena. // Social psychology and society, №
3, 2014. // P. 19.
5
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. 105.
6
Stuart J. Daughter of the Legend. – USA: McGraw-Hill Company, 1965. – P. 147.
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82
2.
https://books.google.co.uz/books?id=6wVSbw3FbXUC&q=Jesse+Stuart+foretaste&redir
_esc=y#v=snippet&q=Jesse%20Stuart%20foretaste&f=false
3.
Bevard. Samuel Lee. Character, Conflict, and Statement in Three Jesse Stuart novels: The
Movement toward Hope and Salvation. // A Thesis presented to the Faculty of the Graduate
School Morehead State University, 1976. // P. 120.
4.
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.
5.
Bevard. Samuel Lee. Character, Conflict, and Statement in Three Jesse Stuart novels: The
Movement toward Hope and Salvation. // A Thesis presented to the Faculty of the Graduate
School Morehead State University, 1976. // P. 88.
6.
Sadullayev F. B. Inner characterization of the main character in the novel “the wings of
the dove” by henry james //Conferencea. – 2022. – С. 132-135.
7.
Bakhtiyorovich S. F., Kabilovna S. D. The Literary Significance of “The Jolly Corner” in
Henry James’s Oeuvre //Miasto Przyszłości. – 2023. – Т. 42. – С. 726-729.
8.
Ganieva O. K., Sadullayev F. B. The Role Of Female Characters in the novel “The Grapes Of
Wrath” by John Steinbeck //АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ СОВРЕМЕННОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ. –
2020. – С. 5-8.
9.
Ganieva O. K. DEPICTION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN A PERSON AND SOCIETY IN
AMERICAN REALISTIC LITERATURE //Scientific Bulletin of Namangan State University. –
2020. – Т. 2. – №. 8. – С. 215-220.
