Engl 490 Feminist Writing & Rhetoric This Is What a Feminist Sounds Like

Virginia Woolf Journal

by Lorraine Yudiskas

            Privilege is the common thread among the diverse essays of Virginia Woolf, Gertrude Buck and Adrienne Rich.  Rich, in particular, is a Gloria Steinman, Betty Freidan proponent of feminism.  It was the middle class, white, Jewish women who benefited from the ideology of feminism, and remains so.

            Woolf was one of the first female writers to suggest that women must write and tell the truth about their own experiences as a body.  Some of the obstacles Woolf faced sixty-four years ago have been eroded by contemporary feminist writers.  This new breed of feminists are willing to challenge traditional roles established for them by others, and to journalistically go where no women have gone before.

            The new feminist writers have successfully explored topics traditionally reserved for men.  The number of successful women writers is still disproportionately small compared to male writers, and will remain so until talented women find a room and rent.  Woolf was instrumental in helping women find their voice, and encouraged women to write honestly and openly about their experiences.

There are two criteria, according to Woolf, that will enable the feminist writer to explore her mind and creativity.  She must have a room and rent.  Yes! This is what men have known for a long time.  Men can go to their special room, close the door and demand that they not be disturbed.  It is not as easy for women.  They must find a room and rent and kill the Angel in the house, who is self-sacrificing, mindless, and who subjugates herself for others.

            Herein lies the dilemma.  Women who are encumbered with responsibilities and find the creativity room locked.  They may be able to partially cripple the Angel in the House but they are unable to abandon certain obligations within the family environment.  It would be easier if the never allow the Angel in the House.  Women face distractions and restrictions in their everyday lives, and this may be acceptable for some women.  The female writer has selfish needs.  She must be free from mundane matters to explore her creativity.  Woolf’s ideal room and rent is for privileged women, and not for those who cannot kill the Angle in the House.

            I have my room and rent but am still unable to go to that room freely.  It makes me very frustrated and angry when demands are made upon my time.  I have had a lifetime of servitude to my family, and I am still trying to kick the Angel out of the House.   

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For comments or suggestions please contact Lorraine Yudiskas at LYudiskas@aol.com

Page last updated December 12, 2006.