Edith Södergran

Benjamin Mier-Cruz (University of Wisconsin)

Dates

Born 4 Apr 1892
Died 24 Jun 1923
Activity 1907-1923

Places

Born in Russia
Active in Finland; Sweden

Activities

Primary

Poet

Resources

Södergran's Works

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Edith Södergran was a pioneering poet who introduced modernism into Finland's literary landscape, substantially impacting the literature of the remaining Nordic countries. Edith Södergran has since been regarded as one Swedish language's most beloved poets. Although influenced by German expressionism, Russian futurism and French symbolism, Södergran's poetry abandoned traditional rhythm and rhyme in favor of a less restricted structure and scheme. In addition to her innovative imagery, the Finland-Swedish poet's Swedish was stylistically and syntactically unique, initiating critical and literary responses that resulted in a new wave of Finland-Swedish modernism. Major themes of nature, love, sexuality, alienation and death dominate Södergran's verse; also prominent is her…

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2622 words

Citation: Mier-Cruz, Benjamin. "Edith Södergran". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 19 January 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=11880, accessed 25 November 2024.]