Justinas Marcinkevicius emerged on the Lithuanian literary scene in the post-World War II era as a spokesman for the revival of national consciousness. Depicting examples of social truths, morality, and ethics, Marcinkevicius's writing drives toward visions of equality and fraternity. His poetry and drama convey the joys and sorrows of his homeland. From Marcinkevicius's point of view, the mission of a writer is to protect and preserve the life of the nation; thus, as he explores the emotional attitudes of Lithuania, he portrays the totality of a community of human beings who are participants in the historical process. As one of the most popular contemporary Lithuanian poets and dramatists, Marcinkevicius became a symbol of the nation's sufferings under the Soviet regime as well as a symbol of integrity and hope for the nation's future. His books have been translated into at least twenty other languages, including German, English...