"Quite Topical Cudgel War"

Kasimir Leino's Jaakko Ilkka and Klaus Fleming (1901) in Turn of the Century Historical Culture

Abstract

The article examines Kasimir Leino's historical play "Jaakko Ilkka and Klaus Fleming" (1901) and its theatrical performances. The focus is on newspaper reviews, particularly the interpretation of the character Jaakko Ilkka. The research provides context for the emergence of the "new Ilkka" around 1900s, which is related to the political disputes of the Russification era, especially concerning Finland's  status as part of the Russian Empire. The portrayal of Ilkka during this period is discussed in relation to the concept of the ideal citizen associated with the voting reform and modernization. Ilkka is depicted as a justified champion of legality, resonating with the Finnish-speaking educated middle and upper classes. Simultaneously, Ilkka became an identifiable component of the socialist class struggle imagery.