Virginia Woolf a Feminist for the Ages

Virginia Woolf’s book A Room of One’s Own is an important piece of literature with the main theme being women’s rights. In almost every direction she looked women were not allowed. I believe she desperately wanted the right to an education. The anguish she must have felt at not having that right must have tormented her. This book tell us that women must have a room of their own to pursue their dreams.

In Woolf’s time, women had no rights. Her beliefs are strategically placed throughout her book. She begins in chapter one, “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” (page 1229). A woman must have enough independence to provide for herself and realize her dreams. As she was preparing to speak about women and fiction, she came across the idea to read a book written by Charles Lamb. When she approached the library, she was refused access because she was female. “but here I was actually at the door which leads into the library itself. I must have opened it, for instantly there issued, like a guardian angel barring the way with a flutter of black gown instead of white wings, a deprecating, silvery, kindly gentleman, who regretted in a low voice as he waved me back that ladies are only admitted to the library if accompanied by a Fellow of the College or furnished with a letter of introduction.” That is the most outrageous thing I have ever heard. I am sure Woolf felt the exact same way because she said, “That a famous library has been cursed by a woman is a matter of complete indifference to a famous library.” (Page 1231)

I would love to hear what Virginia Woolf would think about women’s rights today. Would it be more than she could have ever dreamed, or would it not be nearly enough? What I do know is that she was a very brave and strong woman. She desired respect and independence. Maybe if she would have been born sixty years later she would have seen the effects of what she fought for… women to have “A Room of One’s Own.”

T.S. Elliot Journey of the Magi

The Journey of the Magi is a poem detailing the epic journey made by three kings. The journey takes them to a far away land. In this journey, they are humbled by their surroundings. The kings were used to an elaborate palace with people bringing them their hearts desire. “Lying down in the melting snow / there were times we regretted / The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces, / And the silken girls bringing sherbet.” (line 7 – 10). They were not accustomed to roughing it. There are always mishaps when taking a trip of any kind. This pilgrimage was important” With the voices singing in our ears, saying / That this was all folly.” (line 19 & 20). They doubted themselves and their mission. They still pressed on. When they reached their destination, it changed them forever. “We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, / But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, / With an alien people clutching their gods. / I should be glad of another death. (Line 40 – 43). Their journey changed them irrevocably.
Many of us make difficult journeys. Some of us never leave our hometowns to come so far. The Kings made an epic life-changing journey. People with addictions, mental illness, and physical ailments are on a never-ending journey. These people fight everyday against their afflictions to live as normal a life as possible. Some of us are more fruitful in our journeys than others. We are all still changed by them.

Clay by James Joyce

I looked up the word clay. It is defined as an earthy materiel that is plastic when moist but hard when fired. It also means fundamental nature or character. I thought it would be interesting to explore these definitions in relationship to this story.

The story begins with a common woman Maria, who has worked hard all her life. She was a governess and raised two boys. These two boys, Joe and Alphy were her life’s work. Joe was still very fond of Maria and invited her to gatherings at his home. He felt she was more of a mother to him than his own was. “Mamma is mamma but Maria is my proper mother.” (page 1134). Even with her lack of social class, Joe tried to include her in family events. Perhaps this is why he and Alphy were at odds. “Maria thought she would put in a good word for Alphy, But Joe cried that God might strike him stone dead if ever he spoke a word to his brother again.” (Page 1136) I think Joe became so overtly upset because Maria was defending someone who probably insulted her. The clay that Joyce speaks can be seen as a relationship. It is plastic and moldable depending on the need. When it hardens from firing, there is a bond that can stand a thousand uses without damage. This is the relationship between Joe and Maria. They are also from the same clay. Their character regardless of social class is admirable.

I believe people are made from many types of clay. Some mesh well and some do not. I do not mesh with a few individuals myself. This story has inspired me to make a better effort. If I want my fundamental nature to be an overall positive one, I must learn to appreciate their positive qualities. If I judge them for their mistakes then I must put my mistakes up to be judged. As uncomfortable as this will probably be, it will make me a better person. Joe was not afraid to befriend someone of a lower class than his own. His character is a good example we should follow.