SATIRICAL CHARACTERS IN THE SHORT STORIES OF O. HENRY AND GAFUR GULOM

This thesis explores the use of satirical characters in the short stories of O. Henry and Gafur Gulom, focusing on how satire functions as a means of social criticism in American and Uzbek literary traditions. The study examines the portrayal of ordinary individuals whose actions and attitudes expose social injustice, moral weakness, and cultural contradictions.

Through a comparative analysis, it is revealed that O. Henry primarily employs irony, subtle humor, and unexpected endings to create sympathetic satirical figures, whereas Gafur Gulom utilizes more direct, exaggerated, and socially grounded characterization to criticize ignorance, hypocrisy, and bureaucratic flaws. Despite differences in narrative style and cultural context, both authors use satire not merely for comic effect but as a humanistic tool to encourage moral reflection and social awareness. The findings demonstrate that satirical characters in both writers’ works serve as effective mirrors of society, highlighting universal human weaknesses across cultures.