A Room of One’s Own Critical Analysis

Many intelligent and creative women can make great contributions to the society if they are given space and time. However, for many years women have been viewed as less intelligent, merely mothers, and objects of ownership.

In A Room of One’s Own, a novel by Virginia Woolf, the author argues that Shakespeare’s sister is as talented as her brother and that she can make great contributions to her society.

In chapter, six Woolf clearly demonstrates her opinion and attitude towards patriarchal society. She portrays her judgment through use of language, narrative, style and other viewpoints about man, their dominance and female subservience.

She uses sarcasm and irony combined with a lot humor to emphasize her argument as she contradicts the general opinions of men. She reminds women that what they want depends on them and that they should leave exhortations to men. She however criticizes women for lack of motivation and spirit by referring to them as “disgraceful ignorant.”

Through this the extract, the author gives hope to others but she is also realistic about the society developing a culture of equality. She tells women that it is very important to be their selves than to be anything else, a statement which contradicts men’s belief that women are objects of ownership and are merely mothers.

Woolf seeks revenge against the society which is patriarchal through the characters of Mr. John Davies and Professor X. For example, Professor X is not given a name or identity (Davis).

The author sarcastically calls men “great minds…….are androgynous,” meaning that the part of the male’s mind should work together with women to create something that is original (Davis). She tells the writers that they should not think about their sex but should focus on the story that they are about to write.

In conclusion, it is ironic that, in this book she does not talk about a matriarchal society but only talks about the society where women and men are equal.

Works Cited

Davis, C.  A Room of One’s Own: Critical Response.  July 9 2010.            http://www.dadooda.com/index.cfm/fa/library.detail/Library_ID/8016