 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding article in Finnish. (June 2023)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Aleksis Kivi | |
|---|---|
 Earliest known image of Kivi, almost certainly byAlbert Edelfelt (1873)[1] | |
| Born | Alexis Stenvall (1834-10-10)10 October 1834 |
| Died | 31 December 1872(1872-12-31) (aged 38) |
| Notable work | Seitsemän veljestä (Seven Brothers) Nummisuutarit (Heath Cobblers) |
Aleksis Kivi (Finnish pronunciation:[ˈɑleksisˈkiʋi]ⓘ; bornAlexis Stenvall; 10 October 1834 – 31 December 1872)[2] was a Finnish writer who wrote the first significant novel in theFinnish language,Seitsemän veljestä (Seven Brothers[3]), published in 1870. He is also known for his 1864 play,Nummisuutarit (Heath Cobblers[4]). Although Kivi was among the very earliest writers of prose and lyrics in Finnish, he is still considered one of the greatest.[5][6]
Kivi is regarded as thenational writer of Finland and his birthday, 10 October, is celebrated asFinnish Literature Day.[7]
Aleksis Stenvall was born inPalojoki village,Nurmijärvi,Grand Duchy of Finland. His parents were the village tailor Erik Johan Stenvall (1798–1866) and Anna-Kristiina Hamberg (1793–1863).[2] Aleksis had three older brothers – Johannes, Emanuel, and Albert – and a younger sister, Agnes, who died in 1851 at the age of 13.[8]
In 1846, Kivi left for school inHelsinki. In 1859, he was accepted into theUniversity of Helsinki, where he studied literature and developed an interest in the theatre. His first play wasKullervo (1860), based on a tragic tale from theKalevala, Finland's national epic. He also met[when?] the famous journalist and statesmanJohan Vilhelm Snellman who became his supporter.[9]
During his time at school Kivi read world literature from the library of his landlord, and during his university studies, he saw plays byMolière andSchiller at theSwedish Theatre in Helsinki.[10] Kivi also became friends with[when?]Fredrik Cygnaeus andElias Lönnrot.[10]
From 1863 onwards, Kivi devoted his time to writing. He wrote twelve plays and a collection of poetry. The novelSeitsemän veljestä (Seven Brothers) took him ten years to write. Literary critics, especially the prominentAugust Ahlqvist, disapproved of the book, at least nominally because of its "rudeness" (Romanticism was at its height at the time).[9] Ahlqvist also wrote "It is a ridiculous work and a blot on the name of Finnish literature".[10] In a review published inFinlands Allmänna Tidning, Ahlqvist wrote that "the brothers' characters were nothing like calm, serious and laborious folk who toiled the Finnish lands."[11][12] It is known that no other critic hated Kivi's writings as much as Ahlqvist, in which case the situation could almost be called "persecution",[13] but theFennomans[who?] also disapproved of Kivi's not-so-virtuous depictions of rural life, which were far from their idealized point of view,[9] and Kivi's excessive drinking may have alienated some.[citation needed]
In 1865, Kivi won the State Prize for his still often performed comedyNummisuutarit (Heath Cobblers). However, the less-than-enthusiastic reception of his books was taking its toll and he was already drinking heavily. His main benefactorCharlotta Lönnqvist, with whom Kivi lived inSiuntio at the time of his creative writing, could not help him after the 1860s.[9]
By 1870, while he was living atFranzén's cottage inTapanila, Helsinki,[14] Kivi's health collapsed. Assailed by typhoid and attacks of delirium, he was hospitalised. His doctor diagnosed melancholia due to his "injured dignity as a writer". The psychiatristKalle Achté concludes, based on a documentary survey, that Kivi was suffering from schizophrenia,[9] although advancedborreliosis has also been suggested.[15]
Kivi died in poverty in 1872 (aged 38) inTuusula, at the home of his brother Albert.[16] According to legend, his last words were, "I live" (Finnish:"Minä elän").[17]
In the early 20th century, young writersVolter Kilpi andEino Leino raised Kivi to the status of national icon. Eino Leino – and laterVäinö Linna andVeijo Meri – also identified with Kivi's fate as an author.[9][further explanation needed]
In 1936, theAleksis Kivi Prize, awarded for contributions to Finnish literature, was established.[18]
In 1939, theAleksis Kivi Memorial, a bronze statue of Kivi byWäinö Aaltonen, was erected in front of theFinnish National Theatre.[19] Many streets in Finnish cities and towns have also been named after Kivi, such asAleksis Kiven katu inTampere.[20]
In 1941, theAleksis Kivi Society [fi] was founded.
From 1995 to 1996, Finnish composerEinojuhani Rautavaara wrotean opera about Kivi's life and works.[21] Two films have also been made:I Live [fi] (Finnish title:Minä elän) from 1946, directed byIlmari Unho;[22] andThe Life of Aleksis Kivi (Finnish title:Aleksis Kiven elämä) from 2002, written and directed byJari Halonen.[23]
![1934 postage stamp commemorating Kivi, by Germund Paaer [fi], after a sculpture by Wäinö Aaltonen](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aAleksis-Kivi-1934.jpg)
