«Заповіт молодісті", як авторитетне та репрезентативне дослідження жіночого досвіду війни

Abstract

The article attempts to investigate the memoirs of the famous British sister of mercy, Vera Brittain, based on her work "The Testament of Youth", which is considered one of the most powerful works about the Great War. "Testament of Youth" is one of the first works in Great Britain that reveals specifically the female experience of war and analyzes the contribution of women at the front and in the rear. The article examines the life path of Vera Brittain and the impact of the First World War on her life. The study is based on the analysis of British and partly Ukrainian scientific works. The article aims to convey the importance of research on women's experiences of war for future perspectives. Gender studies in Ukraine are just beginning to develop, so European experience is very valuable. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism and objectivity. The biographical method, biographical interpretive method, narrative analysis, prosopographical method, and gender analysis method were used. General scientific methods (synthesis, analysis, generalization) are also used. The influence of the Great War on the family of Vera Brittain on her decision to leave her studies and join the Red Cross organization as a sister of mercy is analyzed. Vera Britten's autobiography was first published in 1933. and immediately became a bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic. This personal record 1900-1925 conveyed to the entire generation the essence of the common experience of the war and its impact on society. Based on the work "Testament of Youth", the main battles of the Great War on the Western Front were studied on the basis of biographical data. The main psychological, mental and moral changes of the Sister of Mercy as a result of the Great War are revealed. The practices of women's survival in the conditions of military conflict and obtaining medical experience are represented. Vera Britten devoted her life to the cause of peace and feminism. In total, she wrote 29 books, novels, poetry, and it was the “Testament of Youth” that defined her reputation and brought her recognition.