From Palibino to Riviera: narrative rhythmanalysis of Sofia Kovalevskaya’s literary writings

This paper explores the spatio-temporal rhythms in Sofia Kovalevskaya’s literary writings. Renowned as the first woman professor of mathematics in modern Europe, Kovalevskaya made significant scientific contributions but also excelled in literature, producing novels, poetry, and plays. She believed that great mathematicians must possess “the soul of a poet.” Despite the acclaim her literary work received, most research has focused on her mathematical achievements. As a cosmopolitan figure of her era, Kovalevskaya’s life spanned diverse geographies—born in Russia, studying in Germany, living in Paris, and eventually settling in Sweden as a professor at Stockholm University. These spatial and temporal dimensions deeply influenced her literary narratives. This paper employs narrative rhythmanalysis to trace the flows, forces, and energies within her writings, highlighting the interplay of space, time, and matter in literary creation. Far from offering final conclusions, this approach reveals a dynamic process, continually uncovering new insights into Kovalevskaya’s life, works, and worlds.