Dec 22, 2016
Marko Vovchok’s (Mariya Vilinska) 183rd Birthday
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Mariya Vilinska, who wrote under the pen name Marko Vovchok, was born on this day in 1833. Her 1857 story collection Narodni Opovidannia (Tales of the People) is considered one of the first works of Ukrainian realism. Born in Russia, Vilinska moved to the Ukraine when she was 17 and quickly became an expert in Ukrainian language and folklore. She later translated works from French to Ukrainian and Russian, including the novels of Jules Verne. Vilinska was also known for her significant charm, which made her the star of elite social and literary circles.
Additionally, Vilinska was one of the first notable feminists in the Ukraine and Russia. She founded a magazine that focused on women contributors, and she wrote and translated works about women's rights.
Later in life, Vilinska moved to the countryside. As captured in today's Doodle, she spent much of her time writing and reminiscing under a pear tree in her garden. At her request, she was buried under that same tree.
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