Lesya Ukrainka

Meet the remarkable figure in the realm of Ukrainian literature and the renowned poetess whose works have left an indelible mark on Ukrainian language and culture

Lesya Ukrainka wrote in various genres, including poetry, drama, and prose. She was also engaged in literary criticism. Her poetry is characterized by deep philosophical underpinnings, patriotism, and social relevance. Among Lesya Ukrainka's most well-known works are On the Wings of Songs, Echoes, and Sunflowers, as well as the plays Forest Song, The Boyar's Wife, The Stone Host, and others.

Lesya Ukrainka by A group of Ukrainian writers during the unveiling of Ivan Kotliarevsky monument in Poltava (1903). Sitting (left to right): M. Kotsiubynsky, V. Stefanyk, L. Ukrainka, H. Khotkevych, V. Samiilenko. Standing: O. Pchilka, M. Starytsky. Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine. ©2001 All Rights Reserved. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Lesya Ukrainka reconceived the present through the prism of the world history and mythology. The permanent message of her works was to induce people to wake up from the dream, to throw off the yoke and be free.

Lesya was an active supporter of the women's rights movement and advocated for women's rights to education, work, and voting. She published articles emphasizing the importance of providing women access to higher education and intellectual growth. She also urged women to develop their talents and abilities, regardless of traditional roles. Feminist ideas were reflected in her works, where she addressed issues of gender inequality and analyzed socio-cultural aspects of women's status in society.

Lesya Ukrainka by T.D.Charkovska, teacher of Ukrainian language and literature gymnasium № 117 named after Lesya UkrainkaCFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Throughout her entire lifetime, Lesya remained captivated by the portrayal of Mavka, the enchanting figure she had fallen in love with during her early childhood through her mother's tales.

Lesya Ukrainka by Lesia Ukrainka (1896 photo). Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine. ©2001 All Rights Reserved. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy

Before her passing, she wrote a remarkable féerie drama called Forest Song about Mavka. It is a real fantasy fiction where common people meet with mysterious forest spirits.

Lesya Ukrainka fell seriously ill with tuberculosis, but this did not deter her from continuing her literary and public activities. Because of her illness, Lesya had to travel a lot around the world. She was treated in Crimea, the Caucasus, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Egypt. Although being abroad always made her long for her homeland, traveling enriched her with new impressions, knowledge of the life of other nations, strengthened and deepened the international motives of her work.

Credits: Story

Text: based on text by Vasyl Skakun

Original text from the album of the Prominent Ukrainians project, published jointly by Pictoric Illustrators Club, Pavlo Gudimov Ya Gallery Art Center, Artbook Publishing House and Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

Photo:

©2001 All Rights Reserved. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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