Rural Finns’ motivations for writing and attitudes toward the ability to write in the period 1840-1900

Authors

• Laura Stark Jyväskylän yliopisto

Abstract

This paper explores experiences shared by the first generation which learned to write in the 19th century Finnish countryside, drawing upon early autobiographies written by mostly men born between 1827 and 1866. The author explores how rural inhabitants learned to write, but also what writing meant to them in the context of both rural poverty and social barriers to personal progress. What motivated rural inhabitants to write, and what hindered their efforts? Increased opportunities for learning the skill of writing came at a time when rural conditions had not improved enough to allow writers to maintain proficiency in the skill. Writers’ early experiences were shaped not only by the physical conditions of rural life, but also the attitudes and expectations of others in their communities. When early writers were mocked and derided, they were forced to reflect upon traditional notions of manly honor.