Women and Femininity in the Literary Works of Wanda Malecka Cover Image

Kobiety i kobiecość w twórczości literackiej Wandy Maleckiej
Women and Femininity in the Literary Works of Wanda Malecka

Author(s): Katarzyna Westermark
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Media studies, Sociology, Polish Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo HUMANICA Instytut Studiów Kobiecych
Keywords: Wanda Malecka; magazines for women; history of press; femininity; sentimental novel; romantic poem; romanticism;

Summary/Abstract: Wanda Malecka’s literary work remains a proof of her gradual acknowledgment of woman role in society. In the 1810’s and 1820’s she was experimenting with different Enlightment era literary genres, such as dialogue, fable and anecdote. The representation of femininity portrayed in those works was consequently mocking. The romantic poem “Wyjątek z historycznego poematu Wanda” marks the second phase, as it brings heroic lead female character, attributed with male features and desires. In the 1830’s the author focused on short sentimental novels, where the issues concerning gender inequalities were most visible.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 14
  • Page Range: 53-72
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Polish