THE POETICS AND TYPOLOGY OF FATHER FIGURES IN WORLD LITERATURE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The father figure has remained a key motif in world literature, symbolizing not only familial bonds but also broader social, cultural, and ethical ideals. Literary portrayals of fathers generally fall into three categories: positive, negative, and substitute. Positive father figures embody affection and guidance, negative ones display dominance or neglect, while substitute fathers take on paternal responsibilities as mentors or non-biological caregivers. This study explores the roles and artistic value of paternal images across diverse literary traditions, demonstrating how these depictions shape narrative development and contribute to readers’ moral and emotional formation