Thinking Activity- Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando- A Biography'

 This blog is in response to the thinking activity given on the topic of the novel 'Orlando- A Biography’ written by Virginia Woolf , at the Department of English, MKBU. 

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) 

She was an influential British writer, essayist, and feminist, who is best known for her innovative novels and her role as a leading figure in the Bloomsbury Group. The group was a collective of writers, artists, and intellectuals who lived and worked in the Bloomsbury area of London in the early 20th century. Woolf's works are known for their complex narrative structures, introspective and experimental prose style, and exploration of themes such as gender, sexuality, and the human condition.

‘Orlando: A Biography’

The novel ‘Orlando: A Biography’ was published in 1928. It tells the story of a young nobleman named Orlando who lives through several centuries, experiencing various historical events and changing genders from male to female halfway through the book. The novel is a playful and unconventional take on biography and history, and Woolf uses Orlando's transformation to explore themes of gender identity, fluidity, and the arbitrary nature of social conventions.

"Orlando" is considered a groundbreaking work for its portrayal of gender and sexuality, and its use of experimental techniques such as stream-of-consciousness narration and time-travelling. The novel also challenges traditional notions of biography and history, and questions the way in which narratives are constructed and presented. Overall, "Orlando" remains a significant work in the canon of feminist literature and modernist literature, and is a testament to Woolf's pioneering approach to writing and storytelling.

We had movie screenings of Vita & Virginia (2018) directed by Chanya Button and Orlando (1992) directed by Sally Potter to understand both the novel ‘Orlando- a biography’ and its author Virginia Woolf. Both the movies were good in context to understand the author and how she got an idea to create the novel.

How far do you feel that Orlando is influenced by Vita and Virginia’s love affair? Does it talk only about that or do you find anything else too?

Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando" is often seen as being influenced by her relationship with Vita Sackville-West, with whom she had a romantic affair that lasted several years. In the novel, the character of Orlando is partly inspired by Sackville-West, and the gender transformation that Orlando undergoes can be seen as reflecting the fluidity and complexity of their relationship.

However, "Orlando" is not solely focused on the relationship between Woolf and Sackville-West. Rather, it is a multi-layered exploration of themes such as gender, identity, creativity, and the passage of time. The novel plays with traditional notions of biography and history, and questions the way in which narratives are constructed and presented.

The film adaptation of "Orlando," directed by Sally Potter, also explores these themes, while also emphasizing the gender and sexual aspects of the story. 

Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.

In the film, both Virginia and Vita struggle with their identities in different ways. Virginia is portrayed as a highly sensitive and introspective person who grapples with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. She also struggles with the societal expectations placed on her as a woman and as a writer, and feels stifled by the confines of traditional gender roles.

Vita, on the other hand, is depicted as a more confident and assertive person who defies societal norms in her personal and professional life. She is openly bisexual and engages in relationships with both men and women, including Virginia. However, Vita also feels a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction, and struggles with her own sense of identity as a woman, an artist, and a member of the aristocracy.

What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If not then why?

Throughout history, societies around the world have held various views and beliefs about women and their identities. Many societies have placed strict gender roles on women, defining their roles as homemakers, caretakers, and wives, while limiting their access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

These societal expectations have often been reinforced through cultural norms, laws, and institutions, making it difficult for women to break free from these limitations and express themselves fully. As a result, many women have struggled to define and assert their identities in the face of social pressure and discrimination.

What are your views on Gender Identity? Would you like to give any message to society?

Gender identity is an individual's own sense of their gender, whether it is male, female, or a non-binary identity. It is a deeply personal aspect of one's identity, and every person has the right to express their gender identity freely and without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

It is important for society to respect and accept people of all genders, and to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. This can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns, and legal protections for people of all gender identities.

Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?

"Orlando," directed by Sally Potter, has a unique and stylized direction that utilizes striking visual sequences to convey themes of gender, identity, and time. The use of theatrical performances and exaggerated settings adds to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the film. The open landscapes in the film symbolize freedom and possibility, while enclosed spaces convey confinement and restriction. The use of color, particularly the color green, is a significant symbol throughout the film that represents growth and transformation.

In "Vita & Virginia," directed by Chanya Button, the direction is more naturalistic and grounded, reflecting the emotional intensity of the relationship between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. The use of close-up shots and handheld camera work emphasizes the intimacy between the characters. The lush landscapes of Vita's ancestral home symbolize history and tradition, while the bustling streets of London represent the modern and changing world. The use of flowers as symbols throughout the film highlights the beauty and fragility of life.

Write your views on the movie Orlando. What differences and similarities have you noticed in the movie Vita and Virginia and Orlando?

The movie Vita and Virginia is a biographical movie that represents the life story of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West and their friendship and love affair. The movie also gives an idea about the inspiration and motive behind writing ‘Orlando’. 

Despite the differences in subject matter and direction style, both films share a common focus on the themes of gender and identity. "Orlando" challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, while "Vita and Virginia" explores the complexities of same-sex relationships in a historical context. Additionally, both films feature strong female protagonists who are complex and multifaceted characters.