SUMMARY:
Lesia Ukrainka (the pen name for Larysa Kosach) hails among the great writers of Ukrainian literature. Along with Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Franko, her writings are considered to contribute to the consciousness of Ukrainian national identity. Many of her writings rework traditional classics and myths and invert the readers’ perspective on the female characters. For example Donna Anna seduces Don Juan in her version of the Stone Host and Mavka, traditionally considered to be a seductive and dangerous creature of the forest, is reimagined as an innocent and childlike spirit of nature.

Her greatest masterpiece, 'The Forest Song', drew on her memories of childhood surrounded by the stories, superstitions and traditions of her native Ukraine, specifically from the regions of Polissia and Volyn. The story reconceives Mavka as an innocent and playful forest nymph who falls in love with a village lad, Lukash. The love between Mavka and Lukash is written as a profound soul connection; she is drawn to the life-affirming quality of his flute-playing while he is inspired by her perfected, natural beauty. Mavka’s foil is the widow Kylyna who outdoes Mavka in all of the pragmatic tasks which make a good housewife. While Mavka is too sensitive to reap the grain, Kylyna accomplishes the task with pluck. In the end, Lukash chooses Kylyna for his wife, though his heart never stops its longing for Mavka.

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