Identity Construction In Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway: A Feminist Perspective

Abstract

Virginia Woolf is widely regarded as one of the most prominent modernist authors and a key figure in 20th-century feminist literature. Her renowned work delves into fundamental feminist themes, such as the division of societal roles, the dominance of patriarchal authority within marriage, and issues related to sexism. Virginia Woolf examines both the universal and individual struggles experienced by women in Mrs. Dalloway. She delves deep into the inner conflicts and turmoil that arise between the inner psyche of women and a society that steadfastly clings to patriarchal values. This study explores Woolf's own insights into the formation of identity, showing how discourse and diverse social behaviours help to shape Clarissa's identity over time. Gender ideology and other social constructions influence and mould her identity.