Virginia Woolf was an influential British author and feminist born in 1882. She came from an educated family but did not attend college as women were not formally educated at the time. Woolf had a difficult childhood after her mother's death, with her father withdrawing emotionally. She was also sexually abused by half-brothers. Despite obstacles, Woolf became a self-educated writer who revolutionized the English essay form. Her works had a profound impact by giving voice to women, those with mental illnesses, and the LGBT community at a time when they faced significant challenges. Woolf struggled with mental health issues throughout her life, including