The Polish writer dressed like a man, lived with partners. But she was a devout Catholic

Maria Rodziewiczówna is the author of famous novels such as “Dewajtis”, “Lato leśnych ludzi” or “Między ustami a brzegiem filiżankau”. Her character fascinates many people to this day. On the one hand, a fervent Catholic, a strict conservative, an anti-Semite, a supporter of the National Democrats. On the other – a non-heteronormative person, rebelling against common expectations. Recently, the author of the profile @nietoperzezakolnierze reminded us about her on TikTok.

She lived with women, and yet she was a devout Catholic

Rodziewiczówna was born on February 2, 1864 in the village of Pieniuha in the Grodno region. She died on November 6, 1944 at the Leonów farm near Skierniewice. The writer, even though she was famous for her extremely conservative views, lived in relationships with women and dressed like a man. She was probably related to, among others, Helena Weychert and Jadwiga Skirmunttówna. It was said that Rodziewiczówna lived with her wives. This did not surprise those around her. However, there were times when the artist’s reports were the cause of teasing and malice.

Her chauvinism and bigotry were unacceptable.

Last year, Wydawnictwo Literackie published a book by Emilia Padoł, “Rodziewicz-ówna. Hot się ducha”. – Rodziewicz was a great personality who broke many patterns. Because even her traditional patriotism and landed gentry… she is not a typical representative of her class, apart from the fact that, of course, she is one in this persistence, in ethos – she said in an interview with our website biographer of the writer.

However, the writer’s character arouses great controversy. It is no secret that she was a supporter of National Democracy, a chauvinist and an anti-Semite. – Her class ferocity and Polish chauvinism are unacceptable. I tried to show it in full, with all the cruelty of the borderland world, not smoothing anything over, but also pointing out the cracks in this Polonization activity, because they are also there – emphasized Emilia Padoł.