☰ Contents · Literature

Odil Yoqubov and “Muzqaymoq”

Lessons 15–16 · 2 lessons · S. Ahmedov, R. Qo‘chqorov, Sh. Rizayev. Adabiyot (Literature), Grade 6, Parts 1–2. Ma’naviyat Publishing House, 2017 (4th edition)
16

The story “Muzqaymoq” (Ice Cream)

Textbook: Part 1, pp. 120–134
GoalExplain the content, characters and idea of the story “Muzqaymoq”.
New words
repression (mass persecution) · qatag‘onchild narrator · hikoyachi bolapioneer (Soviet youth organisation member) · pionerregret · pushaymon
Explanation

The story “Muzqaymoq” (Ice Cream) is told by a ten-year-old boy living in Turkestan. The events take place in the years of Stalin-era repressions: the boy’s father is arrested. The family’s books are hidden and pictures are defaced. The neighbour who was once a friend, a Komsomol secretary, now becomes an enemy. During the search the boy opens a cabinet drawer the soldier could not open and for a moment is proud of the man’s praise — as an adult he is ashamed of this all his life. As his father is being taken away, the father regrets never buying him ice cream and the boy hugs his knees. Later, at the farewell in the prison, the father gives his son five so‘m. Through the child’s eyes the story shows a great tragedy and the fate of innocent people and urges the reader to value parents’ love.

Worked examples
Example — contrast: the boy’s pride as a pioneer and his father’s grief are placed side by side in one scene.
Example — narrator: because a child, not an adult, tells the events, the tragedy appears simple but all the more moving.
Class activity

“Through a child’s eyes”: two groups retell the story in 3 sentences — one as the boy, one as the father; the difference is discussed.

Practice
1
Who tells the story?
2
What happens to the boy’s father?
3
What does the father regret?
4
Why does the boy later remember with shame that he opened the drawer during the search and was praised?