Lessons 22–23 · 2 lessons · Q. Yo‘ldoshev, V. Qodirov, J. Yo‘ldoshbekov. Literature: textbook for Grade 9 of general secondary schools. Revised and expanded 4th edition. “O‘zbekiston” NMIU, Tashkent, 2019
23
Furqat’s ghazals
Textbook: pp. 115–120
GoalExplain the content of Furqat’s ghazals “Fasli navbahor o‘ldi”, “Surmadin ko‘zlar qaro” and “Biz istig‘no eli”, and devices such as husni ta’lil and personification.
In the ghazal “Fasli navbahor o‘ldi” the poet personifies spring: flowers open as if in anticipation of friends, and lightning and thunder show nature in motion. In the sixth couplet husni ta’lil is used: the bud is said to swallow blood and tear its collar open because the nightingale weeps remembering autumn, though the bud’s opening has nothing to do with the nightingale. In the closing couplet the poet is hurt that the wise live in sorrow while the foolish are happy – a social meaning is woven into the spring picture. The ghazal “Surmadin ko‘zlar qaro” is a portrait of the Uzbek bride: with kohl, henna, gold rings, bracelets, silver jewellery and a saffron dress, her coquettish manner is also drawn. In “Biz istig‘no eli” the lyrical hero calls himself one of the people of poverty and contentment: even thirsty in the desert he will not go to the river, he will not beg Iskandar or Doro for worldly gain, and he is patient with a piece of bread.
Worked examples
Example: the opening couplet beginning “Surmadin ko‘zlar qaro...” lists national cosmetics such as kohl, henna and osma. The poet shows the bride’s beauty through her clothes and jewellery; it is a scene of Uzbek culture.
Example: in one couplet the lyrical hero likens himself to “copper” and says he does not try to pass for the value of “gold”, placing his hope only in the gift of God. Though modest, he holds his dignity high: contentment and self-respect are expressed together.
Class activity
Choose one couplet from each of the three ghazals and prepare one picture or sketch (collage) for each. Explain in class which image and device the couplet rests on.
Practice
1
What is husni ta’lil? Give an example from “Fasli navbahor o‘ldi”.
Explaining a situation by a beautiful but unreal cause; e.g. saying the bud opens because of the nightingale’s lament.
2
Which items and ornaments of the bride are listed in “Surmadin ko‘zlar qaro”?
Kohl, henna, osma, a saffron dress, gold rings, bracelets, silver jewellery and earrings.
3
In which lines does the feeling of contentment appear in “Biz istig‘no eli”?
In the lines about being people of poverty patient with a piece of bread and not going to Iskandar and Doro for gain.
4
Where is the social meaning in the closing couplet of “Fasli navbahor o‘ldi”?
The poet is unhappy that the wise live in sorrow and the foolish in joy – a hint at justice and enlightenment.