Edith Sodergran, a prominent modernist poet, was born on April 4, 1892, in Russia. She was the only child of a Finnish family, although she was born in Russia. Her unique background would shape her identity and influence her poetic voice.
During her language studies at a school in St. Petersburg, Sodergran made a pivotal decision that would define her career as a poet. She chose to compose all of her poems in Swedish, a bold move that would differentiate her from her contemporaries.
Her poetry collections, including Dikter and Septemberlyran, showcased her innovative approach to language and form. Sodergran was associated with the symbolist and futurist literary movements, drawing inspiration from Friedrich Nietzsche's works.
Tragically, Sodergran's life was cut short by illness. At the young age of sixteen, she contracted tuberculosis, a disease that would ultimately claim her life at thirty-one. Despite her struggles with illness, Sodergran continued to write prolifically, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking poetry.
Edith Sodergran's legacy as a pioneering poet continues to resonate with readers today. Her fusion of symbolist and futurist themes, combined with her bold decision to write in Swedish, set her apart in the literary landscape of her time. Although she may have been taken from the world too soon, Sodergran's impact on modernist poetry endures.
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