THE FEMINIST STANDPOINT IN VIRGINIA WOOLF’S SELECTED WORKS: ORLANDO, A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN, THREE GUINEAS, MRS. DALLOWAY

Abstract

The object of this study is to discuss Virginia Woolf‟s contribution to the feminist approach in her selected works Mrs. Dalloway (1925), Orlando (1928) “A Room of One's Own” (1929) and “Three Guineas” (1938). The study aims at showing how Mrs. Woolf utilizes her writings to show women the way they gain autonomy in life and recreate their identities as females. Virginia Woolf regards herself as an exceptional feminist female writer in her treatment of women‟s inferior condition in the 20th century British society. She uncovers the reasons of women‟s melancholy and gives us a comprehensive picture of women‟s problems. Woolf has tackled themes, which are related to feminism, financial independence, freedom of mind, and the pressures women face under certain circumstances. She has published a number of works that are related to gender gap, sexual freedom of females and the pressure that women feel in the society. Thus, it is possible for readers to appreciate her works and her literary standing in this respect. It is obvious that Woolf has dealt with personal issues that are related to women‟s condition. Her concerns are mostly about gender biases and prejudices. In her writings, she reveals her thoughts about equality and women‟s positions in the society. This thesis attempts to explore the writer‟s feminist investigation against patriachal society and the performances of her characters in each work