Abstract:
In this article we will review the short prose of the writer William Saroyan, an important representative of universal literature, an American writer of Armenian origin. Most of the works were inspired by his personal life and the life of Armenian emigrants in California. William Saroyan's characters are loving, warm people who find, despite trials and hardships, joy and beauty in life. The author addressed the following themes: the human condition, the importance of individuality, family and society, the joy of living. We will pay special attention during the research of the theme of minorities in the volume The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze and Other Stories. William Saroyan had a special sensitivity for the theme of minorities, which he explored in his prose with deep empathy and nuanced understanding. Here are some key aspects of the way the writer approaches this theme: the author did not idealize people belonging to national minorities, presenting complex characters with positive and negative qualities; described the challenges of immigrants adapting to a new culture, the struggle for survival and the desire to preserve their cultural identity; elucidated how culture influences people's values, traditions, and behavior, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. In conclusion, William Saroyan approached the theme of minorities from a humanistic perspective and presented characters who face life's challenges but retain their dignity and hope.
