The Contempt and Bitterness of Virginia Woolf Exposed in...

The Contempt and Bitterness of Virginia Woolf Exposed in A Room of Ones Own Virginia Woolf refuses the role society prescribes her. She stands up against glass ceilings, separate spheres, and double standards-cultural institutions that create and uphold a weaker sex. In her writing, specifically A Room of Ones Own, she manifests her contempt and bitterness by advocating it is necessary [for women] to have five hundred [pounds] a year and a lock on the door if you are to write fiction or poetry (769). However, to break and step above the institutions she criticizes, Woolf knows she cannot simply complain about her brothers years at Oxford while she stayed home with tutors-that would lead an audience to believe she has an axe†¦show more content†¦Marys skills let her do what Woolf cannot: perform. Mary is not against the social order--quite the opposite: Mary is a master of society, commander of its every minutia. At the grand social gala Mary radiates with effortless grace, rallying envy and dazzling spectators, for she knows this performance her par t-very well; whereas at the same occasion Woolf feels uncomfortable, even angry because functions like these keep women in their place. Marys extensive ballet instruction has prepared her well for the socializing world by teaching her complacence. Her highly skilled maestros have taught her to obey orders from superiors, follow what is expected, and to stay graceful and beautiful at all times-at all costs, Thus, Mary has the restrained character expected of academic men, and all the burdens of a shackled woman. Creating Mary gives Woolf the ability to execute the performance she otherwise could not; at the same time it enables her to present herself as an every woman, so to speak. The Mary-mask covers Woolfs individuality with a common name and stereotypically female qualities including naivety and disguised anger--echoing the practice of countless women. By employing this mask, Woolf creates a bond between herself and all women, attempting to establish trust and creating a shared experience with them. As author Adrienne Rich describes Mary: I recognized that tone. I had heard it often enough, in myself and in other women. It is the tone