Lesya Ukrainka

Lesya Ukrainka (born Larysa Petrivna Kosach, Ukrainian: Лариса Петрівна Косач; 25 February [O.S. 13 February] 1871 – 1 August [O.S. 19 July] 1913) was Ukrainian poet, playwright and translator, political, social and feminist activist.

Lesya Ukrainka

Quotes

• Ні! Я жива! Я буду вічно жити!
  Я в серці маю те, що не вмирає.
  • Translation: No! I live! I will live forever! I have a heart that does not die.
  • The Forest Song , 1911

• Ні, я хочу крізь сльози сміятись,
  Серед лиха співати пісні,
  Без надії таки сподіватись,
  Жити хочу! Геть, думи сумні!
  • Translation: Yes, I will laugh despite my tears,
    I’ll sing out songs amidst my misfortunes;
    I’ll have hope despite all odds,
    I will live! Away, you sorrowful thoughts!
  • Contra spem spero!, 1890

Quotes about person/work

• Lesya Ukrainka set Ukrainian culture free from the image of provinciality imposed on it by discourse of the Russian Empire around the turn of the 20th century.
  • Volodymyr Yermolenko, 2021