About “Padarkush”

According to the textbook, “Padarkush” was written in 1911 and published as a book in 1913. Behbudiy was among the first to write dramatic works in Uzbek literature; the play was shown in all cities of Turkestan and laid the foundation of Uzbek theatre. The play shows how important the social and family environment is for young people’s growth. The Boy is a man who has wealth but does not spend it on knowledge or his child’s upbringing; he measures everything by riches and does not listen to advice. The textbook author stresses that the Boy’s illiteracy was a reality of that time, but a person cannot live by material wealth alone – spiritual and inner wealth are also needed. The Domla and the Ziyoli hold close views; they stand opposed to the Boy, Toshmurod, Tangriqul, Artun and others – this conflict moves the events. The word “millatchi” is understood here as “millatparvar” (patriot of the nation). Toshmurod cannot tell friend from foe and, lacking upbringing, follows bad people. In the end both father and son become “qurboni jaholat” (victims of ignorance). The speech of the Domla and the Ziyoli is rich in wise sayings, while the speech of characters far from learning is poor and full of street words. The textbook calls the play’s idea important even today: upbringing never goes out of date and a child must be raised from a young age.