Virginia Woolf | A Writer that Inspired Many Generations

Adeline Virginia Woolf is an English writer born on 25 January 1882 in London, England. Virginia Woolf is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. People around the world love and appreciate her work. Virginia is considered one of the first symbols of “Feminism” in society.

Early Life

Virginia Woolf was born on 25 January 1882 in South Kensington, London as the seventh child of Julia and Leslie Stephen. Her parents were Julia and Leslie Stephen, a famous writer, historian, and mountaineer. 

In February 1895, Virginia’s mother fell ill and eventually passed away in May. Virginia was just 13 then, and losing her mother at such young age started her struggle with mental illness. 

In the 19th century, education was a luxury only provided to the upper-class members of society, especially boys. While People preferred to send boys to luxurious private schools, girls were left to receive their education from their parents. Virginia and her sisters received their education from their parents in a room behind their drawing-room. Julia taught them Latin and French, and Leslie taught them mathematics.

Career

Virginia Woolf started writing very young, and her father encouraged her to write professionally. She published her first novel, The Voyage Out, at 33. Her half-brother’s publishing company, Gerald Duckworth and Company Ltd, published the book.

Her second novel, Mrs. Dalloway, was published in 1925. The story of the book revolves around a woman named Clarissa Dalloway, who is a society woman and loves to throw parties.

To The Lighthouse came out in 1927 as Virginia’s third novel. The plot is about the Ramsay family’s anticipation of visiting a lighthouse, and the story also consists of family drama.

The 1931 release of Virginia Woolf, known as The Waves, was a story of six friends and their inner feelings.

Virginia Woolf is a great admirer of fictional art, but that has not stopped her from stepping foot in the non-fiction genre. A Room of One’s Own is Virginia’s non-fiction work. The book revolved around feminism and women’s rights. In the book, she writes about the discrimination and disempowerment women have faced in history and in the present times.

Marriage

On 10 August 1912, Virginia married Leonardo Woolf. He was a friend of Virginia’s brother, Thoby Stephen. Leonardo met Virginia officially on 17 November 1904, and he was in love with her as soon as he laid eyes on her. 

In 1911, Leanardo asked for Virginia’s hand for marriage because of a friend’s advice, but he received no answer from her side. After that, he decided to stay in London to get to know Virginia better. She later invited Leonardo for a weekend with her in Sussex. 

After that weekend, they spent a lot of time together. Leonardo asked Virginia again for marriage in 1912, but Virginia agreed after asking for some time for consideration.

Mental Health Struggles

After much examination by today’s experts, they say that Virginia Woolf’s struggle with mental health started after her mother’s death. It was a massive trauma for a 13-year-old child.

Virginia would often experience severe mood swings and depressive episodes. Experts say these symptoms can be diagnosed as Biopolar Disorder in today’s psychology. The death of her father in 1904 only worsened the symptoms.

Virginia Woolf even attempted two suicide attempts. Her family often referred to her condition as her “madness.”

Death

After completing her last novel, Between the Acts, in 1941, Virginia fell into depression. This depressive episode was worse than the last ones she had experienced. She started hearing voices and could not concentrate on her work.

Virginia’s mood kept darkening daily, and on 28 March 1941, she filled her pockets with stones and drowned herself in River Ouse. Her body was not found until 18 April 1941, and her husband buried her remains beneath an elm tree in their house in Sussex.

Also Read: Jane Austen | Success Story Of The Most Adored & Praised Female Writer