The image of women in literature: Symbolism, social roles and cultural aspects

Aida Egemberdieva; Asylai Mokeeva; Elmira Tolokova; Gulgaaky Zhumaeva; Kenzhegul Kayipova

doi:10.18172/cif.6895

Authors

Aida Egemberdieva Kyrgyz State National University
Asylai Mokeeva Kyrgyz State National University
Elmira Tolokova Kyrgyz-Türkish Manas Üniversity
Gulgaaky Zhumaeva Kyrgyz State National University
Kenzhegul Kayipova Kyrgyz State National University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18172/cif.6895

Keywords:

Symbolism, gender dynamics, cultural identity, literary functions, typology of heroines

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the peculiarities of female characters in the works of Aitmatov and to reveal their artistic and philosophical significance in the context of symbolism, social roles, and cultural aspects. The methodological framework integrated typological, hermeneutic, historical-literary, and structural-semiotic methods, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the evolution and meaning of women’s images. The results demonstrated that female characters in Aitmatov’s works were characterised by versatility, psychological depth, and rich symbolic resonance. A typology was established, including hearth keepers, rebels, victims, wise old women, mothers, and women of nature – each performing distinct artistic and ideological functions. These images reflected both traditional gender roles and the growing aspiration for freedom, individuality, and equality. The study revealed that Aitmatov’s heroines not only structure the artistic world of his prose but also embody the cultural-philosophical dimension of his thought, expressing universal values of motherhood, love, moral resilience, and the eternal human quest for justice.

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Author Biographies

Aida Egemberdieva, Kyrgyz State National University

Department of Kyrgyz Literature and Technology of its Education

Asylai Mokeeva, Kyrgyz State National University

Department of Kyrgyz Literature and Technology of its Education

Elmira Tolokova, Kyrgyz-Türkish Manas Üniversity

High School of Foreign Languages

Gulgaaky Zhumaeva, Kyrgyz State National University

Department of Kyrgyz Literature and Technology of its Education

Kenzhegul Kayipova, Kyrgyz State National University

Department of Languages

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