Feminism in Virginia Woolf's writings

1. Feminism in Virginia Woolf’s Writings By Monika Bytautaite English 102 Professor Owens

2. Feminism: correct definition Feminism has been viewed negatively due to misunderstanding what it really is Two branches of feminism Equity Feminism Equal rights for women Social Feminism Equal rights + embracing femininity

3. Social Feminism and Virginia Woolf Most (if not all) of Virginia Woolf’s works are influenced by social feminism While some are subtle (ex. Mrs. Dalloway) others are more forward (ex. A Room of One’s Own)

4. Feminism in Mrs. Dalloway Main character Clarissa Dalloway not typical feminist heroine: her character is "saturated with her feminine nature” (Sharma 64) embraces life belongs to elite English high-society married

5. Femininity vs. Masculinity In Mrs. Dalloway, masculine characters are unhappy and dissatisfied with life, lack creativity Examples: Septimus, Peter Walsh, Mr. Dalloway

6. Femininity vs. Masculinity continued Clarissa Dalloway is able to achieve internal balance due to her feminine characteristics Septimus masculine nature responsible for his unhappiness and suicide

7. A Room of One’s Own An obvious feminist writing addressing women Addresses importance of education for women Calls to celebrate femininity Urges women to be independent Independence can be achieved by having her own room and sufficient income

8. Shakespeare’s sister Judith Fictional character invented to prove Ms. Woolf point Shakespeare’s talented sister Unlike Shakespeare, she is denied proper education and family support Dies tragically without getting a chance to achieve her dreams

9. Importance of Acknowledging Differences Between Women and Men “can inspire social and political transformation” (DiBattista 86) for a better world not only for women but also for men

10. Works Cited DiBattista, Maria "Woolf as Feminist." English Literature in Transition, 1880-1920 49.1 (2006): 85-88. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 15 Nov. 2009. Sharma, O.P. "Feminism as aesthetic vision: A study of Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway'." Women's Studies 3.1 (1975): 61. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 15 Nov. 2009.