Maria Konopnicka, one of the most outstanding Polish writers, is a figure who remains controversial to this day. Her literary work has gained recognition, and her personal life hides many dramas. One of the most moving is the story of her daughter, Helena Konopnicka. How did Konopnicka disown her daughter and put her in an asylum? this tragic story.
Helena’s life: forgotten and covered up
Helena Konopnicka, Maria’s middle daughter, remains a mysterious figure in the history of the Konopnicki family. The lack of photos, letters or diaries makes her life almost completely blurred. The lack of information about her birth and upbringing only intensifies the aura of mystery. The poet’s family, including Konopnicka herself, seems to deliberately hide any information that could cast a shadow on the image of a caring mother.
Departure to Warsaw and the first problems
In 1878, Maria Konopnicka moved to Warsaw with Helena, but a few years later, in 1882, the poet sent her daughter to Gusin, to her father or his relatives. The reason for this decision was the difficult financial situation and the inability to support all the children. However, Helena soon returned to Warsaw to prepare for the exams under her mother’s supervision.
An illegitimate child and the ultimate renunciation
In 1887, Helena became pregnant, which was what happened a huge scandal for the Konopnicki family. The mother, devastated by this situation, treated her grandson with indifference, calling him “that child”. Maria Konopnicka’s letters from that period clearly show that the poet was more worried about the family’s reputation than the fate of her daughter and grandson. In one of his letters to Laura from 1890 Konopnicka complains about having to pay for the upkeep of Helena’s child.
Suicide attempts and the final separation of his daughter
Helena’s mental health was deteriorating and she attempted suicide. In 1889, “Kurier Poranny” reported on the suicide attempt of Helena, who tried to take poison. This event only deepened the rift between mother and daughter. Maria Konopnicka, concerned about her image, used her influence to hide the scandal. However, Helena did not stop fighting for her mother’s attention, which led to numerous dramatic scenes.
Isolation and disappearance
Ultimately, Maria Konopnicka decided to place Helena in a shelter for the terminally ill in Góra Kalwaria. The poet was afraid of further escapes and scandals, which is why she believed that only isolation could provide peace for the family. However, Helena managed to escape from the facility and returned to Warsaw, where her fate becomes unclear. To this day, it is not known how and when she died and what happened to her child.
The story of Helena Konopnicka is a sad example how family tensions and concerns about reputation can lead to dramatic decisions. Maria Konopnicka, despite her literary genius, was unable to cope with her daughter’s problems, which led to tragic consequences. Helena’s life remains one of the most painful chapters in the biography of the great poet.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
