How did Finland-Swedish literature develop a distinct identity after the late 19th century?

Toward the end of the 19th century, Finland-Swedish literature began to develop a distinct identity, separating itself from Swedish literature and moving away from the Finnish-language literary tradition. This shift was driven by significant political and social changes, most notably the 1906 parliamentary reform, which dismantled the old estate system and ended the political dominance of the Swedish-speaking elite.1

As a linguistic minority, Swedish-speaking writers sought to unify across class boundaries and foster a sense of Swedish nationalism within Finland. Their goal was to construct "a little Finland" in the Swedish language rather than merely replicating Swedish culture. This cultural repositioning gave rise to characteristic themes of loneliness and rootlessness.1

The identity of this literature was further shaped by:
* The "Idlers" (Dagdrivarna): Early 20th-century prose writers who adopted a cynical, analytical tone and explored ethical and artistic problems.1
* Stylistic Focus: While Finnish-language literature often focused on the countryside and common folk, Finland-Swedish literature became increasingly characterized by an urban outlook and a strong tradition of lyric poetry.2