SOTIM ULUGH-ZODA ON THE CRITICISM OF WRITERS

The article examines the literary criticism found in the work of Sotim Ulugh-zoda. It notes that while this aspect entered the realm of scholarly inquiry in the 1980s, it is interpreted in various ways by researchers and remains a somewhat ill-defined concept due to its multifaceted nature—being closely linked to literature, the psychology of artistic creation, and sociology. The literary-critical principles of Sotim Ulugh-zoda are analyzed—specifically, the broadening of writers' intellectual horizons and the refinement of their craftsmanship, given that intellect serves as the measure of an artist's creative ability. The conclusion is drawn that his literary criticism represented a logical extension and practical implementation of his aesthetic program. It is noted that S. Ulugh-zoda’s literary criticism—like his translation work and his own creative writing—reflects specific stages of his development and evolution. To properly and fully evaluate S. Ulugh-zoda’s creative work, it is essential to identify his artistic tastes and worldview. It is emphasized that a writer’s criticism provides a wealth of material for understanding their attitude toward a work’s theme, idea, and characters; it reveals the author’s stance and the methods used to express it, while interacting closely with borderline genres—such as "in the writer’s laboratory" accounts, essays, memoirs, journalism, and documentary writing.