Lessons 37–38 · 2 lessons · S. Olim, S. Ahmedov, R. Qo‘chqorov. Literature, Grade 8: textbook-collection, Parts 1 and 2. G‘afur G‘ulom publishing-printing creative house, Tashkent, 2014 (revised third edition)
38
The novel “Chinor”: Bektemir and Akbarali
Textbook: Part 2, pp. 44–58
GoalDescribe the structure of the novel “Chinor” and the first part of the Bektemir and Akbarali story in the excerpt.
New words
family tree · shajaramine · konminer · konchiwandering without a home · sarson-sargardon
Explanation
The novel “Chinor” does not resemble an ordinary chain of consecutive events: stories, legends and novellas come mixed, and the time of events keeps shifting. But this is only on the surface: all fates are tied around 93-year-old Ochil bobo. The old man sets out to see his relatives scattered around the country, and these fates form one family tree, that is, the great Plane Tree. In the excerpt Ochil bobo and his grandson Azimjon find the young miner Akbarali in a hotel in a mining town: he has grown very thin and aged, and he tells his story. According to it, one night his father’s war comrade, the one-eyed Bektemir, comes to his house; after captivity and wandering abroad he returned after 13 years but cannot face his family, so he looks for work. Next day Akbarali takes him to the mine, they walk cheerfully and laughing, then an accident happens in the mine; Bektemir stays behind to protect many people, while Akbarali is frightened and runs away.
Worked examples
Example: the old man barely recognizes Akbarali after seven years; it shows that not the years but a disaster that occurred has changed him so much.
Example: Bektemir repeats “Work! Work! Work!”: he wants people to see his labour, not his face, and hopes that then his family might forgive him when he goes to them.
Class activity
Retell the events of the excerpt in time order (the present hotel, Bektemir’s arrival, going to the mine, the accident) in four sentences.
Practice
1
How is the novel “Chinor” structured and what unites it?
Stories and novellas come mixed and time shifts; all are united by the fate of 93-year-old Ochil bobo.
2
Why did Bektemir come to Akbarali?
He was Akbarali’s father’s comrade from the war and asked him to find work at the mine.
3
Why did Bektemir not go straight to his family?
Because after the years he did not know how to face them and wanted first to redeem himself through work.
4
Why does the cheerful joking at the mine entrance strengthen the tragedy of the event?
Because disaster comes suddenly after happy, hopeful moments, and the contrast leaves a strong impression.