Introduction.

Social status; Children's literature; Polish literature; Cities & towns; Women's rights; Antisemitism

Maria Konopnicka, a prominent Polish poet and writer, was born in Suwałki, Poland, in 1842 and passed away in Lviv, Ukraine, in 1910. She was known for her works in prose fiction, children's literature, and as an activist for women's rights and national independence. Konopnicka's story "Mendel Gdański" addresses rising antisemitism in Poland and reflects her belief in the unity of all individuals in society, regardless of social status, religion, or ethnicity, during a time of foreign occupation in Poland. The story highlights the complexities of Polish identity and patriotism during the era of partitions (1795–1918) when Poland as a state did not exist, but the concept of Poland remained alive in the hearts of its people. [Extracted from the article]