Virginia Woolf: Biography, Major Works and Themes
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English novelist associated with the Modernist period of literature. This guide gives students a clear overview of the writer's life, major works and themes.
Quick Facts
| Name | Virginia Woolf |
|---|---|
| Lived | 1882-1941 |
| Known as | An English novelist |
| Period | Modernist |
Major Works
- Mrs Dalloway
- To the Lighthouse
- A Room of One's Own
Themes and Style
The writing of Virginia Woolf is best known for consciousness, time and gender. When you study these works, look at how language, structure and imagery carry those ideas.
Why Study Virginia Woolf?
Virginia Woolf is a frequent subject in school, college and university syllabuses. Knowing the context of the Modernist period helps you understand why the writer chose particular subjects and forms.
Exam Tips
- Learn two or three key quotations from Mrs Dalloway.
- Link Virginia Woolf's ideas to the historical background of the Modernist period.
- Practise writing a short paragraph on theme, language and form.