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Orlando by Virginia Woolf

Orlando by Virginia Woolf

Summary

Orlando: A Biography, penned by Virginia Woolf and first published in 1928, is a seminal work in English literature that transcends conventional narrative forms to offer a satirical history of English life, gender roles, and literary tradition. The novel intricately intertwines the life of its protagonist, Orlando, who undergoes a sex change from male to female and exists across several centuries, beginning in the Elizabethan era and concluding in 1928, the year symbolizing the achievement of women's suffrage in England. This extraordinary tale, inspired by Woolf's intimate friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West, delves into themes of androgyny, the fluidity of gender, and the literary representation of women, marking it as a pioneering feminist text.

The story unfolds with Orlando as a young nobleman in Elizabeth I's court, entangled in a passionate affair with a Russian princess during the icy spectacle of the Great Frost. As a favorite of the aging queen, Orlando navigates the complexities of love, loss, and literary ambition, only to experience a profound transformation. In Constantinople, where he serves as an ambassador, Orlando falls into a deep sleep and awakens as a woman, retaining his identity and intellect but assuming a new form. This metamorphosis propels Orlando into a journey of self-discovery and adaptation to the shifting societal expectations of women through the 18th and 19th centuries.

Despite the initial turmoil, the now Lady Orlando returns to England, where she oscillates between gender roles and engages with prominent literary figures, reflecting on the evolving role of women in society and literature. Orlando's literary aspirations culminate in the publication of 'The Oak Tree,' a poem initiated in youth and perfected over lifetimes. The novel closes with Orlando in 1928, celebrating the newfound rights and potentials for women, symbolized by her husband's dramatic return and the enigmatic flight of a goose overhead.

Virginia Woolf's Orlando stands not only as a remarkable narrative exploring identity, literature, and history but also as a loving tribute to Vita Sackville-West, weaving her persona through the fabric of centuries. Woolf's innovative approach, blending biography with fantasy and sharp wit with profound insight, established Orlando as a critical and financial success. Over the years, the book has inspired numerous adaptations in film, theater, and opera, underscoring its enduring influence.


Themes

  • Exploration of androgyny

  • Examination of gender roles and identity

  • Evolution of english literature and culture

  • Feminism and the creative life of women

  • Reflections on time and immortality

  • Sexuality and relationships

  • Historical satire

  • Critique of british imperialism

  • Personal identity versus social expectations

  • Commentary on historiography and the treatment of women's history

  • Romantic and platonic love

  • The nature of biography and storytelling

  • Loss


Setting

Set predominantly in England but spanning several countries and centuries, Orlando: A Biography  encapsulates a vast narrative landscape both geographically and temporally. The story commences in the Elizabethan era, casting Orlando as a dashing young nobleman in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. This period is renowned for its fervent embrace of the arts and literature, and the young Orlando's life is deeply entwined with the cultural vibrancy of the time. England during this epoch is depicted as a land of stark contrasts – from the bustling, intrigue-filled court to the serene beauty of its rural landscapes.

Orlando's journey continues through the Restoration, a time marked by Charles II's reign and notable for its opulence and the hedonistic pursuits of the court. Orlando's adventures as an ambassador in Constantinople during this period extend the geographical reach of the novel, painting a vivid picture of a city that stands as a crossroads between East and West, mirroring the protagonist's own fluid identity.

The narrative spans into the 18th and 19th centuries, exploring the shifting roles and perceptions of women during these times. This period brought significant social and cultural transformations within England, which Woolf captures through Orlando's experiences and the evolution of her titular character. Key British locations like London and the ancestral estate of Orlando provide not just a backdrop but also act as silent witnesses to the protagonist's centuries-spanning journey. These settings encapsulate the essence of each era's distinct societal norms, challenges, and progress, particularly in terms of gender and authorship.

Ultimately, the novel culminates in the year 1928, aligning with a pivotal moment in history where women were granted equal voting rights. This moment signifies not just a monumental shift in societal structures but also encapsulates the essence of Orlando's personal journey towards self-realization and literary achievement.


Characters

  • Orlando: The protagonist who undergoes a mysterious change of sex from male to female and lives for centuries, meeting key figures in English literature.

  • Queen Elizabeth I: As a young nobleman, Orlando becomes the favorite of the aging queen.

  • Sasha: An elusive Russian princess with whom Orlando falls deeply in love during the Great Frost.

  • Nicholas Greene: An invidious poetaster who criticizes Orlando’s work and later lampoons him, but promotes Orlando’s writing after she becomes a woman.

  • Archduchess Harriet/Archduke Harry: A persistent suitor of Orlando who first appears as the archduchess and later reveals himself to be a man.

  • Marmaduke Bonthrop Shelmerdine: Orlando’s husband, who is also gender non-conforming, and with whom Orlando has a deep connection.


FAQs

What is the central theme of Virginia Woolf's groundbreaking novel?

A sweeping work of fiction, Orlando: A Biography explores themes of androgyny, gender fluidity, and the creative life of a woman, considering the roles and rights of women over centuries. It's also a satirical history of English literature and a tribute to Woolf's friend and lover Vita Sackville-West.

Who is the main character, and what is unique about them?

The main character, Orlando, begins the novel as a male nobleman in Elizabethan England and undergoes a mysterious change of sex at about age 30, then goes on to live for centuries without noticeably aging. This unique aspect allows the exploration of both male and female experiences across different historical periods.

How does Virginia Woolf incorporate historical figures and events into Orlando's story?

Orlando meets key figures from English literary history and experiences firsthand the societal and cultural shifts across different eras, from the Elizabethan period to the 20th century, acting as a witness and participant in a fantastical re-imagining of historical moments.

Is Orlando considered a feminist work?

Yes, Orlando is considered a feminist work, notably for its exploration of gender roles, the fluidity of gender, and the critique of societal norms regarding what is considered appropriate for men and women. Additionally, it highlights the struggles and limited freedoms of women through history, reflecting Woolf's own views on gender and feminism.

What are some notable adaptations of the book?

Orlando has inspired multiple adaptations for the screen and stage—notably, the 1992 film starring Tilda Swinton and operas by composers Peter Aderhold and Olga Neuwirth. These adaptations often explore and emphasize different aspects of the novel such as its commentary on gender, historical satire, and the celebration of literary English life.

What is the significance of the novel ending in the year 1928?

Orlando ends in 1928, coinciding with the granting of full suffrage to women in England. A year full of hope and promise for the future of women's rights and freedoms, 1928 also marks the culmination of Orlando's centuries-long journey through genders and eras.

How does Orlando's gender transformation influence their understanding of society and self?

Orlando's transformation from male to female profoundly impacts their understanding of society, highlighting the disparities and limitations placed on individuals based on gender. This transformation allows Orlando—and consequently, the reader—to experience and critically evaluate the roles assigned to and expected of men and women through the centuries.


Quotes

  • “As long as she thinks of a man, nobody objects to a woman thinking.”

  • “Nothing thicker than a knife's blade separates happiness from melancholy.”

  • “Love, the poet said, is woman's whole existence.”

  • “Orlando naturally loved solitary places, vast views, and to feel himself for ever and ever and ever alone.”

  • “All extremes of feeling are allied with madness.”

  • “For it would seem—her case proved it—that we write, not with the fingers, but with the whole person. The nerve which controls the pen winds itself about every fiber of our being, threads the heart, pierces the liver. “

  • “I'm sick to death of this particular self. I want another.”

  • “No passion is stronger in the breast of a man than the desire to make others believe as he believes. Nothing so cuts at the root of his happiness and fills him with rage as the sense that another rates low what he prizes high.”

  • “Better was it to go unknown and leave behind you an arch, then to burn like a meteor and leave no dust.”


Quick facts

  • Virginia Woolf originally conceived Orlando as a playful tribute to Vita Sackville-West, her friend and lover, intertwining her personal experiences and characteristics with the fictional character of Orlando.

  • The novel spans several centuries, with Orlando experiencing life both as a man and as a woman, thereby exploring themes of gender fluidity long before the concept was widely recognized or discussed.

  • Orlando is considered a feminist classic, not just for its exploration of gender but also for its commentary on the roles and rights of women through different historical periods.

  • The novel ends on October 11, 1928, the exact date of its publication, blending the line between fiction and reality.

  • Woolf's relationship with Vita Sackville-West and their connections to the Bloomsbury Group greatly influenced the creation and themes of Orlando.

  • Despite its satirical take on the English literary tradition and its playful narrative structure, Orlando was both a critical and commercial success, ensuring financial stability for Virginia Woolf.

  • The character of Orlando has been adapted into various forms, including films, operas, and stage productions, demonstrating the novel's enduring appeal and relevance.

  • A notable film adaptation in 1992 starred Tilda Swinton as Orlando and Quentin Crisp as Queen Elizabeth I, highlighting the novel's ongoing cultural impact and its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences.

  • In 2019, the BBC News listed Orlando among the 100 Most Influential Novels.

  • The novel's descriptions of the Great Frost of 1608 represent some of Woolf's most vivid and ingenious writing, showcasing her exceptional talent for blending historical events with the novel's fantastical elements.


About the author

Virginia Woolf is one of the foremost literary figures of the 20th century. Recognized for her groundbreaking work as a novelist and essayist, her contributions to literature span feminist, modernist, and humanist themes. As a novelist, she was deeply invested in exploring the inner lives of her characters and pioneered the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device. Her notable works of fiction include Mrs. Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927), and Orlando (1928). She is also known for her essays on women's rights and place in literature, including her famous and oft quoted extended essay, A Room of One’s Own (1929).

Born Adeline Virginia Stephen on January 25, 1882, in London, England, Woolf had a complex relationship with her family. As a young girl, she was sexualy molested by her two half-brothers. In 1895, when Woolf was 13, her mother died, suddenly. Two years later, her half-sister Stella passed away, and in 1904, her father died from stomach cancer. Such trauma and tragedies took a significant toll on Woolf's emotional and mental health. Despite her personal challenges, Woolf was a gifted writer and an integral part of London's literary and social circles, becoming a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group. Her marriage to Leonard Woolf in 1912 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Together, they founded the Hogarth Press in 1917, which played a pivotal role in publishing works by T.S. Eliot, E.M. Forster, and Sigmund Freud, among others. Her work was also profoundly influenced by her intimate friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West.

Virginia Woolf struggled with depression and mental illness throughout her life. On March 28, 1941, at the age of 59, she took her own life by drowning in the River Ouse in East Sussex. Her final novel, Between the Acts (1941), was published posthumously. Woolf's legacy endures through her contributions to literature and feminist thought.

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