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.

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