Dwa „łzawe” apele Marii Ilnickiej („Do sióstr moich”)

Maria Ilnicka is directly associated with the Manifesto of 22nd January, 1863. As its (co-) author, she expressed her opionion on emancipation issues both in poetry and ”Bluszcz”, which she edited herself. However, contrary to the expectations resulting from the contents of the Manifesto, these are not revolutionay views. In fact, they are more conservative and in line with the convential status quo. Two poems of the same title: Do sióstr moich, clearly reflect her ideas. Ilnicka emphasises first of all: a passive attitude of women towards national matters, suggesting the model of ‘a mournful weeper’, and second of all: abandoning social activity and remaining in the shadow of patriarchy – in the role of ‘a guardian of the hearth’.