Why? by Virginia Woolf (1917)
In Virginia Woolf's book, Why?, she examines the role of women in society and the ways in which they are often overlooked and undervalued. Through a series of essays, Woolf explores the history of women's rights, the impact of patriarchy, and the need for women to be seen and heard. She argues that women must be given the same opportunities as men in order to achieve true equality. Woolf also examines the ways in which women are often silenced and how this can lead to a lack of self-confidence and a feeling of powerlessness. Ultimately, Woolf argues that women must be given the same respect and opportunities as men in order to create a more equitable society.
By Virginia Woolf · First published 1917 · Genre: Modernist Literature, Fiction, Philosophical Fiction · 2,241 words
First lines
When the first number of LYSISTRATA appeared, I confess that I was deeply disappointed. It was so well printed, on such good paper. It looked established, prosperous. As I turned the pages it seemed to me that wealth must have descended upon Somerville, and I was about to answer the request of the editor for an article with a negative, when I read, greatly to my relief, that one of the writers was badly dressed, and gathered from another that the women's colleges still lack power and prestige. At this I plucked up heart, and a crowd of questions that have been pressing to be asked rushed to my lips saying: "Here is our chance."
What this Textopian page supports
Why? is listed on Textopian as a short story by Virginia Woolf, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Virginia Woolf
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Modernist Literature, Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 66 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Why? by Virginia Woolf
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Why??
- How does this short story by Virginia Woolf fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Modern Essay by Virginia Woolf
- Craftsmanship by Virginia Woolf
- A Room Of Ones Own by Virginia Woolf
- Madame Firmiani by Honore De Balzac
- Not One Of Us by Virginia Woolf
- Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
Genres
- Modernist Literature — Virginia Woolf is considered a major figure in the modernist literary movement, and this book is a reflection of her modernist writing style.
- Fiction — This book is a work of fiction, as it is a story created by the author.
- Philosophical Fiction — The book is a work of fiction, but it also explores philosophical questions and ideas.
- Literary Fiction — The book is a work of literary fiction, as it is a story that is written in a literary style and explores complex themes.
Tags
answer · argument · clamour · day · english · essay · exclaimed · flies · foolish · form · french · human