This article explores the syntactic and stylistic features of punctuation marks in English and Uzbek literary texts. By comparing Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Abdulla Qodiriy’s O‘tkan kunlar, the study highlights how punctuation serves both grammatical and expressive purposes. The analysis shows that punctuation in English often conveys speed, emotion, and spontaneity, especially in dialogue-rich narratives, while in Uzbek, punctuation tends to reflect introspection, emotional restraint, and respect for silence. The article concludes that punctuation is not a neutral, mechanical feature but a culturally and stylistically significant element that enhances meaning, reveals authorial voice, and reflects national literary traditions.

Punctuation, stylistics, syntax, Mark Twain

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