Virginia Woolf

Thinking Activity:- Virginia Woolf's "Orlando - A Biography"

 Hello Readers! This blog is a response to the Thinking Activity which was assigned by Megha Ma'am. In this blog we have to write about Movie reviews and questions which are mentioned in the blog. In this blog I am going to discuss Virginia Woolf's Orlando, Movie reviews and her Biography.

Virginia Woolf:- 

Born:- 25 January, 1882

Died:- 28 March, 1941

Occupation:- Novelist, Essayist, Publisher,Critic 

Adeline Virginia Woolf was an English writer, considered one of the most important modernist of the 20th century authors and a pioneer in the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device.

Woolf was born into an affluent household in South Kensington, London, the seventh child of Julia prinsep Jackson and Leslie Stephen in a blended family of eight which included the modernist painter Vanessa Bell. From 1897-1991, she attended the ladies' Department of King's college London, where she studied classical and history and came into contact with early reformers of women's higher education and the women's rights movement. Encouraged by her father, Woolf begun writing professionally in 1900. Her family moved from Kensington to the more bohemian Bloomsbury, where , in conjunction with the brothers' intellectual friends, they formed the artistic and literary Bloomsbury Group. In 1912, she married Leonard Woolf, in 1917, the couple founded the Hogarth Press, which published much of her work. had romantic relationships with women, including Vita Sackville -west, who also published her books through Hogarth Press. Both women's literature became inspired by their relationship, which lasted until Woolf's death. Her notable works are as below.

• A Room of One's own
• Between the Acts
• Flush
• Mrs. Dalloway
• Orlando
• To the Lighthouse
• The Voyage Out
• The Waves
• Three Guineas

Throughout her life, Woolf was troubled by mental illness. She was institutionalised several times and attempted suicide at least twice. According to Dalsimer, her illness was characterized by symptoms that would today be diagnosed as bipolar disorder, for which there was no effective treatment during her lifetime. In 1941, at age 59, Woolf died by drowning herself in the River Ouse at Lewes. 

Q. 1 How far do you feel that Orlando is influenced by Vita and Virginia's love affair? Does it talk only about that or do you find anything else too ?

 "Orlando" is certainly influenced by Vita and Verginia's love affair, as the character of Orlando is Modelled after Vita Sackville -west and many aspects of the novel are based on their relationship. The novel follows the life of Orlando, a young nobleman who lives for over three centuries and undergoes a transformation from a man to a woman. The character of Orlando is often read as a fictionalised representation of Vita, and the novel's exploration of gender and sexuality can be seen as a reflection of the Vita and Verginia's own relationship. 

However, Orlando is not solely about Vita and Verginia's love affair. The novel also explores themes of time, history, literature, and ironic commentary on the rigid social norms of English society, and the limitation placed on women's lives and artistic expression. Through the character of Orlando, Woolf challenges conventional notions of gender and questions the very nature of identity. Overall, while Vita and Verginia's love affair certainly influenced Orlando, the novel is a complex work that explores a wide range of themes beyond their relationship.

 Q. 2 Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Verginia ? Explain with Illustrations. 

Vita and Verginia both lived during a time when society had rigid ideas about gender roles and sexuality, which could have influenced their understanding of their own identities. Additionally, both are individual writers. Their relationship with gender and sexuality, which is reflected in their writing and art. 

Vita Sackville -west, for example, was known for her unconventional gender expression and her relationships with both men and women. She famously had a long-term romantic relationship with Virginia Woolf. She dressed in a masculine style and often passed as a man in public, which suggests that she may have experienced some gender nonconformity or gender dysphoria. 

Verginia Woolf, on the other hand , had a complicated relationship with her own gender identity and struggled with mental illness throughout her life. In her writing, Woolf often explored themes of gender and sexuality, and her characters frequently challenged traditional gender roles. In her personal life, Woolf had a close relationship with Vita Sackville -west. Ultimately, it is up to individual interpretation as to whether Vita or Verginia may have experienced confusion about their identities. However, it is clear that both individuals lived in a time when societal norms around gender and sexuality were much more restricted than they are today, and their experiences can be seen as reflecting the complexities and nuances of identity in a world that does not always allow for full self - expression.

Q.3 What is society's thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If yes then why? If not then why? 

“ As a woman I have no country. As a woman my country is the whole world.” 

- Virginia Woolf 

Society's thoughts about Women and identity are different from cultures and contexts. However, historically, women have faced discrimination and marginalization in many societies. 

In some cultures, women are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and are not given the same opportunities as men in terms of education, employment, and political reputation. They may be expected to prioritise their roles as wives and mother over their own personal goals and aspirations. However, there has been increasing recognition of the need to empower women and promote gender equality in many societies. Women have been breaking barriers and achieving significant milestones in various fields. Movements such as feminism have been advocating for women's rights and challenging gender based discrimination. 

Overall, it's important to recognise that women are individuals with unique identities, and they should be respected and valued for who they are, regardless of their gender. We should work towards creating a society where all individuals have equal opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect. 

Q.4 What are your views on Gender Identity? Would you like to give any message to society? 

Gender Identity refers to a person's internal sense of their gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. For some people, their gender identity is male, female, or something else entirely. It is important to recognise that gender identity is a deeply personal and individual experience, and everyone has the right to define their own gender identity in a way that feels authentic to them. In Orlando Woolf's discuss about gender identity is that 

Different though the sexes are , they intermix. In every human being a vacillation from one sex to the other takes place, and often it is only the clothes that keep the male and female likeness, while underneath the sex is the very opposite of what it is above.

In this passage from chapter 4 , the narrator draws a general statement from the particular situation of Orlando. She suggests that gender identity is not fixed. But can  change throughout life independently of biological makeup. The novel explores many permutations of his ideas. Woolf believes that sexes are intermixed. That thought an individual may seem like a women . She really has the qualities of a man, and vice versa.

This idea applies not only to the literal gender of individuals. But more broadly to the gender roles within society. Once Orlando becomes a woman, she realises all the opportunities and rights that are now closed to her. Though she feels no different and society treats her differently because of the clothes she wears. 

My message to society would be to promote greater awareness and understanding of gender identity, and to work towards greater acceptance and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. This includes advocating for policies and practices that support the rights and well being of transgender and non- binary individuals, and challenging discrimination and prejudice wherever it occurs. By working together to create a more inclusive and accepting society, we can create a world where everyone can express their gender identity freely and live their lives to the fulfill. 

Q.5 Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?

One of the most prominent symbols in the movie is the colour green, which represents nature, growth, and change . We see this  in the lush gardens and forests where Orlando spends time, as well as in the green velvet suit that she wears as a man. The colour green also symbolises the transition from one gender to another, as Orlando's clothes and surroundings change from masculine to feminine. 

Another symbol that caught my attention is the mirror, which represents self- reflection and the fluidity of identity. We see Orlando looking into mirrors several times throughout the movie, and each time she sees a different reflection. This symbolized the way that our sense of self can change and evolve over time, especially when we experience major life events of tradition.

The spaces in the movie are also very significant. The Elizabethan court represents tradition, hierarchy and conformity, while the countryside and the gypsy camp represents freedom, creativity and nonconformity. Later in the film , we can see Orlando in London during the time. The contrast between these different spaces underscores the film's exploration of gender and identity. And shows how these concepts are shaped by culture and society.

Overall, Orlando is a thought-provoking film that uses symbols and spaces to explore complex themes of gender, identity and time. It is a visually stunning work that invites viewers to question their assumptions about themselves and the world around them.

"Vita and Verginia" had to be made into a Bollywood adaptation, who do you think would be fit for the role of Vita and Verginia?

For the role of Vita Sackville -west, an actress with a bold and charismatic presence would be a good fit. One possibility could be Priyanka Chopra, who has shown her range as an actress and has played strong , independent characters.

For the role of Virginia Woolf, an actress with a deep understanding of character and an ability to convey emotions would be ideal. One possible choice could be Deepika Padukone. 

Compulsory Question: Write your views on the movie Orlando. What differences and similarities have you noticed in the movie Vita and Verginia and Orlando? 

Orlando:- 

Directed by :- Sally Potter 

Based on:- Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf

Protagonist:- Tilda Swinton as Orlando 

Orlando is a 1992 British period drama fantasy film based on Virginia Woolf's 1928 novel Orlando: A Biography, starring Tilda Swinton as Orlando and Quentin Crisp as Queen Elizabeth I. It was written and directed by Sally Potter. The Film Trailer is below.

The film is a feast for the eyes, with exquisite costumes, lavish sets and breathtaking cinematography that capture the beauty of each era in which Orlando lives. The film also features an enchanting score by composer David Motion that compliments the stunning visuals. Swinton delivers a mesmerizing performance as Orlando, capturing the character quite strength, vulnerability and complexity. The supporting cast, including Billy Zane as Marmaduke Bonthrop shelmerdine and Quentin Crisp as Queen Elizabeth I, also deliver strong performances.

The film is very faithful to the novel's exploration of gender and identity, it does not delve as deeply into some of the novel's other themes , such as the passage of time and the changing nature of history. Some viewers may also find the film's pacing slow and meandering. Overall, "Orlando" is a visually stunning and thought provoking film that captures the essence of Woolf's Novel. 

Vita and Virginia:- 

Director :- Chanya Button

Based on:- Vita & Virginia Woolf, Eileen Atkins 

Released year :- 2018 

Vita & Virginia Woolf is a 2018 biographical romantic drama film directed by Chanya Button. The screenplay, written by Button and Eileen Atkins, is adapted from the 1992 play Vita & Virginia by Atkins. Set in the 1920s, Vita and Virginia tells the story of the love affair between Vita Sackville -west and Virginia Woolf. The Film Trailer is  below.

Vita and Virginia is a beautifully shot and well-acted film that explores the real life relationships between writers Vita Sackville -west and Virginia Woolf. The film is based on the letters exchanged between the two women and delves into the creative and romantic relationship that developed between them. The cinematography is also impressive, with shots that capture the lush countryside of Kent and the bustle of London in the interwar period.

The film does a good job of exploring the creative and romantic relationship between Vita and Virginia, some viewers may find that it doesn't delve as deeply into their individual lives and work as they would like. Overall, Vita and Virginia is a well- crafted and engaging film that explores the relationship between two fascinating women writers.

Similarities and differences:- 

Both Orlando and Vita and Virginia are films that explore themes of gender, identity and creativity. Orlando is a more expansive exploration of gender identity, as the protagonist Orlando undergoes a transformation from male to female, while Vita and Virginia focuses more on the creative and romantic relationship between Woolf and Sackville -west.

One of the main similarities between the two films is that they are both literary adaptations that draw on the lives and work of Woolf and Sackville -west. Orlando is based on Woolf's Novel of the same name, while Vita and Virginia is based on the real life letters exchanged between the two women.

There are also some differences between the two films. Orlando is a more visually stunning and surreal film, with lavish costumes, sets, and cinematography that transport the viewer through time. Vita and Virginia on the other hand, is a more grounded and realistic film that focuses on the emotional and psychological dynamic between the two women. Orlando takes a more fantastical approach to history, while Vita and Virginia are more concerned with accurately portraying the relationship between Woolf and Sackville -west.

Overall, while both "Orlando" and "Vita and Virginia" explore similar themes and draw on the lives and work of Woolf and Sackville -west, they are also distinct films with different styles, approaches, and focuses.

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