SYMBOLISM AND IMAGERY IN THE DEPICTION OF LONELINESS IN UZBEK AND ENGLISH SHORT STORIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY

The theme of loneliness has been a significant subject in world literature, particularly in the 20th century, marked by wars, rapid urbanization, and shifting social norms. This study analyzes the role of symbolism and imagery in conveying loneliness in selected Uzbek and English short stories. It compares the cultural and stylistic approaches of writers from two different literary traditions in expressing solitude and alienation through symbolic elements. The study aims to reveal how universal emotions like loneliness are shaped and deepened through specific cultural codes and artistic techniques.