Undoubtedly, Marie Krysinska occupies a prominent position in the history of French poetry. She is the first to demand evaluation of female writers by their works and not by their sex. She negates the widespread notion of women’s exclusively imitative abilities by introducing her own poetical aesthetics and fighting for its recognition in very unfavorable environment. Male hysteria at the end of the 19th century manifested itself in the increased aggression against female writers. The fight for free verse was ruthless, conducted according to the rule that the ends justify the means. The language of the criticism is a testament to the lack of skills required for a substantive discussion when a woman is on the other side of the barricade.

Undoubtedly, Marie Krysinska occupies a prominent position in the history of French poetry. She is the first to demand evaluation of female writers by their works and not by their sex. She negates the widespread notion of women’s exclusively imitative abilities by introducing her own poetical aesthetics and fighting for its recognition in very unfavorable environment. Male hysteria at the end of the 19th century manifested itself in the increased aggression against female writers. The fight for free verse was ruthless, conducted according to the rule that the ends justify the means. The language of the criticism is a testament to the lack of skills required for a substantive discussion when a woman is on the other side of the barricade.