Authorial-defined Social Reality and Double Consciousness in Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own

Abstract

Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own, published more than a century ago, remains pertinent in contemporary times as it addresses the enduring challenges historically experienced by females in various societal settings. In the essay, Woolf demonstrates a sophisticated fusion of social awareness and accountability as she recognises the nuances of gender social restraints. This paper uses the lens of double consciousness introduced by the renowned race theorist W.E.B. Du Bois to examine Woolf’s portrayal of female ‘subjugated consciousness’. A key finding of this paper delves into Woolf's adept utilisation of her authorial lens to capture the nuanced experiences of subjugated consciousness inherent in being born a woman.