The Theme of the “Non-Lost Generation” in the Collection of Pavlo Vyshebaba “Just Don’t Write Me About the War”

Abstract

In 1920-1940 the prose of writers who went through the horrors of the First World War and recreated the spiritual and moral trauma of young men who found themselves on the front lines and learned to kill and survive in war conditions was widely recognized. The concept of the so-called “lost generation” appears, its representatives are united by the theme of spiritual breakdown, which in a few years at the front turned yesterday’s schoolchildren, full of romantic dreams and patriotic ideas, into tough men who desperately try to find their place in new life realities after their return. Unfortunately, the younger generation in Ukraine, which is also forced to go through all the horrors of a brutal war, faced similar problems and existential conditions. However, today we can state that there are significant differences in the worldview and behavior of those young people who were hardened by difficult trials even during the Revolution of Dignity. Young people who manage to survive the Russian-Ukrainian war in the future, just like their generational predecessors, may face new challenges. They will also have to find their place in peaceful life, learn to deal with psychological injuries. However, there is great hope that this generation will be “non-lost” and will overcome all post-war trials with dignity. In the article, the work of the young Ukrainian poet, soldier of the 68th chasseur brigade, eco-activist, the author of the already legendary poem “To my daughter” Pavlo Vyshebaba is considered in the context of the concepts of “lost” and “non-lost” generation. Pavlo Vyshebaba is a vivid representative of a cohort of young people who also faced numerous trials, but one would like to believe that they turned out to be psychologically stronger than their predecessors.