WHY DO WE NEED "THE ROAD CHRONOTOPE" AS A LITERARY DEVICE IN LITERATURE?

The Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin introduced the concept of the road chronotope in literature, which functions as a compelling narrative technique beyond simple physical movement. The road chronotope is still important in modern literature because it represents the complexity of human existence and the process of self-discovery. The road chronotope is considered one of the vital issues in contemporary literature for the following reasons. The road chronotope develops in the plot: narrative structure, character development, readers' involvement, exploration of themes, reflection of the culture, symbolism, and metaphor. In other words, the road chronotope works across genres and cultures. It represents the core of the human experience, including our longing for exploration, our pursuit of wisdom, and our conflict about who we are. The road chronotope is still a powerful representation of life's journey and its complexity, regardless of whether it results in tragedy, self-discovery, or salvation. According to these issues, the following article thoroughly examines the literary and aesthetic characteristics of the road chronotope, a contemporary topic in literary criticism. This paper addresses various aspects, such as the literary and aesthetic nature, the impact of the road chronotope on the evolution of forms and genres, the structure of artistic works, and the semiotic aspects of literary texts. This study aims to highlight the shared features of the road chronotope found in both Uzbek and American literature, illustrating how the unique characteristics of each culture influence the representation of the journey motif. The research investigates the narrative techniques employed to link the concept of the journey with elements of national identity and cultural context.