Primitive Passions and Nostalgia for Nature: Decadence and Primitivism in Maria Jotuni’s Work

Abstract

An allegorical short story entitled ‘Luonto ja ihminen’ [‘Nature and Man’] (1905) by Maria Jotuni (née Haggrén, 1880-1943) depicts the ruin of the ancient union between Man and his beloved Nature. One day Man, who is wandering in the forest of life, is led towards a mysterious, misty bog. Intoxicated by the tranquillizing scent of the bog, Man encounters Culture, in the shape of a seductive femme fatale. When Man and Nature later reunite, ‘Hän oli väsynyt – silmäin kirkas kiilto himmennyt – ja pää oli painunut maata kohti’ [the Man was tired, the bright shining of his eyes was fading – and his gaze was lowered towards the ground]. Man admits his error and asks to return  together with Nature again. She refuses and, shocked by the betrayal of Man, Nature freezes to death: ‘Ja tuli talvi ja peitti Luonnon kääreliinoihinsa’ [And then winter came and covered Nature with its shroud].