Generational memory as a biographical concept: Marko Kropyvnytsky in Yefremov's publicistic texts

The author seeks to consider the question of what is "generational memory" and what role it plays in biographical communication in methodological and specific historical aspects. The process of constructing a memorial image of actor and playwright Mark Kropyvnytsky (1840–1910) analysed on the materials of journalistic texts of Serhiy Yefremov (1876–1939). It is revealed how the generation of the 1890s perceived success stories of "people of the 1860's" and how it has fostered communication between the generations. In a comparative vein, relevant plots from Yefremov's "History of Ukrainian Writing", diaries, and monographs are covered. It is concluded that for the publicist in the Kropyvnytsky's life trajectory the most interesting was a story of the professional success of the artist. From the materials of the study of Yefremov's journalism it becomes clear that the concept of "generation" becomes necessary, first of all, in the era of change as a means of understanding the transformation processes and extraordinary events. The author of the study is guided by the opinion of sociologist Karl Mannheim, who believed that the function of memory of generations is a "new contact" with the social and cultural heritage of social order, which "helps us to appreciate our heritage, teaches us to refuse that's no longer necessary and achieved something that not to be achieved yet". Generational memory consists of recording and reflecting on the "significant" events that the generational group itself has experienced. Indirect experiences also form the generations and preserve their integrity.