Elu nagu algebra. Alide Erteli elu ja looming
Life like algebra: The life and work of Alide Ertel

Summary/Abstract: Alide Ertel (1877–1955) was an Estonian woman writer active in the early 20th century. The most significant factors influencing her creative path were being born into a wealthy South Estonian family of farmers, her good education, and traveling not only within the Tsarist Empire but also in Western Europe. The active participation of Ertel’s family in the public life also played an important part. Ertel herself was involved in politics, taking part in the 1905 revolution as well as the events of 1917, which can be considered important factors shaping Ertel’s life, work, and its reception. In addition to giving fiery speeches during the revolutionary events, Ertel took a strong stance on issues like popular education, agriculture, and the economic well-being of cultural figures. At the beginning of her creative career, Ertel published her works primarily in the print media. 1910 saw the publication of her debut novella Rooste (“Rust”), which depicted the residents and conditions of a local poorhouse. Rooste received favorable reviews and is considered, according to later assessments, Ertel’s best work. From 1919 to 1920, Ertel dedicated herself to literary work and produced two plays, a collection of short stories published in two editions, a collection of aphorisms, and a historical novel within a short period of time. All works from this period had a negative reception, which can be attributed to inadequate linguistic editing, going against the literary circles of the time, and a preconceived bias stemming from this opposition as well as Ertel’s association with Bolshevism. The complex publishing market situation during that time must also be considered. Consequently, Ertel with-drew from literary activities. Between 1929 and 1931, she published a book of fairy tales and two plays, but these works also failed to garner the attention she hoped for. Although Ertel’s creative work has remained lodged in the time of its publication, it is worth exploring also for the contemporary reader. Ertel has depicted the aspirations of marginalized members of society and focused heightened attention on the position of women in the society and their possibilities for self-actualization.

• Details
• Contents