5 reasons why you should read Virginia Woolf today

As I sit down to contemplate the reasons why one should read the works of Virginia Woolf today, I am reminded of a quote from her novel, "To the Lighthouse": "What is the meaning of life? That was all - a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead, there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark."

I believe that her writing captures these little daily miracles, these illuminations, and brings them to life in a way that resonates with readers even today. So, why should you read Virginia Woolf today? Let me offer 5 reasons why her words may still hold relevance and significance in this modern age. So, if you are ever doubtful about picking up that great ‘Mrs. Dalloway,’ or her other great work, read this article.

She is a master of the stream-of-consciousness technique

We all know how thoughts shape our very personalities and make us do things that rarely do people are able to comprehend. These thoughts flow in a way, leading from one to another to action at last. This is what many writers have capitalized upon throughout literary history. In her works, Virginia Woolf employs the stream-of-consciousness technique. This magical technique allows readers to delve deep into the minds of her characters. By creating a vivid and realistic depiction of human thought processes and emotions, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level, writers conjure the unconjurable.

Her prose is beautiful and poetic

Whenever and wherever poetry has been spoken about, the name of Virginia has always been at the focus. Her writing style is characterized by poetic language and beautiful prose. Her descriptions of people, places, and emotions are so vivid and striking that they can transport you to a different world entirely. For example, pick up the very first sentence of her magnum opus ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ and read that first sentence where Mrs. Dalloway speaks about buying the flowers herself. As you flow down into the paragraph, you see her poetics taking shape and embellishing the consciousness of the reader.

She tackles complex themes with sensitivity and nuance

The writings of Virginia Woolf have always been known for exploring complex themes such as gender, identity, and mental health. Not only does she handle these themes with sensitivity and nuance, but she also ensures that the very words are perceived well and pull the reader into the world of her characters. This makes her works both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

She is a feminist icon

Recently, the word feminism is being tossed around for all the wrong and right reasons. However, away from the modern chaos and politics that revolve around the veins of this very word, Virginia had started a much-needed revolution around it decades ago. Her feminist views are evident in her works, which often focus on the experiences of women and their struggle for equality.

By reading her works, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history of the feminist movement and the struggles that women have faced throughout history.

She is timeless

No matter if her works were written a century ago or two, her words still resonate today with readers. This is why she is considered classic and evergreen. Her exploration of themes such as mental health, gender, and identity remains as relevant today as they were when she wrote them.

As Virginia Woolf once said, "Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind." By reading her works, you too can experience the freedom of her mind and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. If you do not have her works, you may simply check out free Shopify alternatives that sell books & magazine at a fair price, allowing the readers to buy more and experience more.