ARTISTIC INTERPRETATIONS OF THE IMAGE OF AN INTELLECTUAL IN CONTEMPORARY UZBEK STORIES (BASED ON THE WORKS OF USMON AZIM)

This article examines the artistic representation of the intellectual character in contemporary Uzbek short stories, specifically through the literary works of Usmon Azim. In his short stories, Azim portrays the intellectual as a figure who often experiences psychological turmoil, moral conflict, and alienation from society. This depiction goes beyond superficial typification to reveal deep existential and ethical tensions. The research analyzes how the notion of the "intellectual" functions within Azim’s narratives, with a focus on themes of inner dialogue, social disconnection, and identity crisis. Through stories such as “The Dead-End Street,” “The Step,” “Time,” and “The Slap,” Azim reveals the complexities of the intellectual’s role in society and literature. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolution of intellectual imagery in Uzbek fiction and its implications for social and literary discourse.