Orlando - A Biography

    Thinking Activity 

' Orlando - A Biography by Virginia Woolf ' :- 

Hello readers! Here I am going to write down one another blog. This blog is assigned and Inspired by Megha Ma'am- Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.  This blog is a part of our thinking activity in which we have to answer some of the questions related to Virginia Woolf's novel.

 In this blog I will also analyze two movies :-  'Vita and Virginia' & ' Orlando'. Before going into further discussions first let us have a brief Introduction about the novel and Writer itself.

 ■ Virginia Woolf :- 

 Virginia woolf in full original name Virginia Adeline Woolf  ( 1882 - 1941) was an English writer whose novels through their nonlinear approaches to narrative , exerted a major influence on the genre. 

 

 She Considered one of the most important Modernist writers of the 20th century authors and a Pioneer in the use of Stream of Consciousness as a narrative device. She started writing Professionally in the year 1900. She wrote many famous works. Her best-known works include the novels Mrs Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927) and Orlando (1928). She is also known for her essays, including A Room of One's Own (1929). 

  ■  'Orlando - A Biography' :- 

 

 Orlando: A Biography is a novel by Virginia Woolf, first published on 11 October 1928. The Fanciful Biographical novel Pays homage to the family of Woolf's friend Vita Sackville west from the time of her ancestor Thomas sackville to the family's Country estate at knole. The manuscript of the book, a Present from Woolf to Sackville- west is housed at knole.

  This novel has a very confusing and weird Plot. The story begins with the rule of queen Elizabeth and ends in the reign of queen victoria, the story is of about 300 - 400 Years of life, and the Protagonist Orlando turns to the age of around 30. The plot Satirises various literary writers and critics in his work as well as indicate the changes taking Place in various regimens.

  ◇ ' Orlando' - 1992 Film :- 

 Orlando is a 1992 British Period drama fantasy film based on Virginia Woolf's 1928 novel named - ' Orlando - A Biography'. It was written and directed by Sally Potter who also Co - wrote the score with David Motion. Critics praised the film and Particularly applauded its visual treatment of the setting of Woolf's first novel.

 

  The film Premiered in Competition at the 49th Venice International film festival , and was re - released in select U.S cinemas in the month of August and in the year of 2010.

◇ ' Vita and Virginia' (2018 Film)  :- 

 Vita and Virginia is a 2018 biographical Romantic drama film directed by Chanya Button. The Screenplay written by Button and Eileen Atkins. This film is adapted from the 1992 play Vita and Virginia by Atkins. It is set in the 1920s. Vita and Virginia tells the story of the love affair between Vita Sackville - west and Virginia woolf.

   This film had its world Premiere as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International film festival on 11th September 2018. It was released in the united kingdom on 5th July 2019 and in the United states on 23rd August 2019.

☆ Now let us try to understand more with the help of some question - answers :- 

  Question 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?

Answer :- It has been said that the Novel Orlando is the longest love letter ever written; a celebration of the bond between women. The relationship between Virginia woolf and vita sackville west is well documented and known to have been intimate. That virginia was passionate and giddy about her relationship with vita is also known and displayed in Orlando. But, Orlando also offers a rare intimate glimpse into the mind of virginia woolf.

  An Unselfconscious work, it reveals her mind, talent at play. Orlando novel offers a rich insights into her mind while keeping the rich Prose that embodies her other great Works as well. Virginia became Fascinated with vita's family history. Vita's family could be traced back to william the Conqueror.

   Vita's ancestry and her own life style differed greatly from Virginia 's. Vita was dramatic, thrilling and exciting. While virginia was mousy, quiet and intellectual. This difference between their personalities and family history captivated virginia.

 But Here one thing we have to remember and understand that this novel does not only talked about a sexual relationship between Vita and Virginia. The novel Orlando talks about the Protagonist Orlando's transformation from man to a woman. One can clearly see the influence of vita and Virginia’s relationship on this novel. But it would be unfair to conclude that this novel only talk and depicts abot their love affair and relationship.

 Question 2 :- What do you think is Confused about their identity vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.

 Answer :- The romantic and Sexual relationship between woolf and Vita west has gotten plenty of attention from literary critics and scholars in recent years. Vita Sackville west and virginia met in the year 1922 and it developed into the deepest relationship. 

  Vita and virginia both were more different than alike; but their differences in social class, sexual orientation and politics were all part of the attraction. Vita was an outsider to Bloomsbury group and disapproved of their literary gatherings. Though the two had different intellectual backgrounds. Virginia felt that vita was ' a real woman.'

 As per my understanding vita was more confused about her gender identity compared to Virginia woolf. She also had a love affairs with several people. So that is how we can understand the identity of both woman and their confusion about it. 

 Question 3 :- What is Society's thought about women and Identity? Do you agree with them? If yes then why? If No then why? 

Answer :- Throughout the history Societies have held various beliefs about women and their identities. In many traditional Societies, women's identities were closely tied to their roles as wives and mothers. Their worth was often judged based on their ability to fulfil these roles and their obedience to male authority figures. Women who sought to pursue careers or participate in public life were often met with resistance and disapproval.

 

 If women will think out of the box than it will not easily excepted or we can say appreciated by others. At the very first everyone will criticise in their own way. Along with that there is also a growing awareness of the diversity of women's identities and experiences.

  But In some ways Societal thoughts about women and their identity is orthodox and traditional in one or the other way. One can not escape the ideal state of society.

 I hope that this blog will be useful to you..

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