Disdain and enticement

Debates of popular song culture in Finnish newspapers, magazines and fiction from the 1870s to the 1910s

Authors

• Hanna Karhu Helsingin yliopisto
• K Helsingin yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.95615

Keywords:

chapbooks, Finnish-language poetry, literary critisism, 19th century, popular education, rhyming folk songs

Abstract

The article focuses on the ways that popular songs printed in chapbooks and folk songs called rekilaulu were discussed in Finnish newspapers, magazines and fiction from the 1870s to the 1910s. Time after time, it was argued that popular songs corrupt the sense of proper (folk) poetry or arouse and titillate (wrong) sentiments: songs of courtship lead to immorality and those on famous villains enhance criminality. This kind of criticism, espoused by the educated Fennoman elite and “enlightened” peasants, had its roots in the nation building project that included a strong emphasis on popular education. The desire to have an effect on popular taste led to highly affective discussions. However, the views of self-taught authors were more positive, and the poetic vernacular of rhyming folksongs inspired young poets. Interestingly, disdain towards popular song culture slackened in informal gatherings of students, and chapbook sellers would appear in masquerades.