UNDERSTANDING THE THEME OF THE "LOST GENERATION" IN THE NOVELS "THREE COMRADES" BY ERICH MARIA REMARQUE AND "VOROSHILOVGRAD" BY SERHIY ZHADAN

Abstract

The article deals to study the theme of the "lost generation" in the novels Three Comrades by Erich Maria Remarque and Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan. The research is based on general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, observation, selection and systematization of material. Elements of the historical and literary approach contributed to the study of the events of the First World War and post-war reality, as well as the collapse of the USSR and its consequences. The problematic and thematic, philosophical and psychoanalytic approaches were used in the study of the authors' reflection of the theme of the "lost generation" in the novels "Three Comrades" by E. M. Remarque and "Voroshilovgrad" by S. Zhadan. The comparative aspect of the works "Three Comrades" by E. M. Remarque and "Voroshylovhrad" by S. Zhadan allowed us to trace the similarity of the worldviews of the characters of Ukrainian and German writers, the characters' sense of the absurdity of existence and attempts to adapt to the conditions of post-war and post-Soviet life. Considering that the novel by E. M. Remarque is an integral part of the trilogy, attention is also paid to the novels "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "The Road Back" in order to trace the peculiarities of the formation of the characters of the Three Comrades. The analysis of Serhiy Zhadan's novel "Voroshylovhrad" revealed the essence of post-Soviet reality and the tragedy of the generation of the 90’s, which witnessed the destruction of totalitarianism in the USSR. The focus is on the artistic realisation of the inhumane impact of war and totalitarianism on the human psyche and moral decline. The deep psychologism of the writers allowed us to feel the tragedy of the fate of young people, which is permeated with the understanding of the impossibility of a harmonious life in the post-war and post-Soviet reality.