Channels of expression used by Matilda Roslin-Kalliola, a self-taught woman writer in 19th-century Finland

Authors

• Reija Lång Turun yliopisto

Abstract

In spite of her humble surroundings, Matilda Roslin-Kalliola – who worked as a seamstress and a shopkeeper – managed to become a published author and a member of the Finnish writers’ union. In addition to writing stories and memoirs, Roslin-Kalliola noted down oral tradition, wrote a study on oral poetry and an eschatological book. Her desire to create and to use her intellect was motivated by the intertwined ideals of the Fennoman movement and Christian faith, and was aided by her networking skills. This article places Roslin-Kalliola’s life and work in the context of her time and its massive social transformations.