Thinking activity - Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - A Biography

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This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - A Biography was assigned by Megha ma'am Department of English MKBU. In this task, we have to answer some questions mentioned in this blog. https://vaidehi09.blogspot.com/2022/01/movie-screening-vita-and-virginia-by.html and write our own views on Orlando and Vita and Virginia movies in this blog.

Introduction of Writer:

Virginia Woolf

Also Known as - Adeline Virginia Woolf/Stephen

Born - 25 January 1882

Death - 28 March 1941 (aged 59)

Occupation/Known as - Novelist, essayist, publisher, critic

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer and one of the foremost modernist writers of the 20th century. She was known for her experimental style, which often explored themes of gender, sexuality, identity, and mental health. Woolf is best known for her novels, including "Mrs. Dalloway," "To the Lighthouse," and "Orlando," as well as her non-fiction works, such as "A Room of One's Own."

Woolf was a member of the influential Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers, artists, and intellectuals who were known for their bohemian lifestyles and unconventional ideas. Woolf's work is characterized by its stream-of-consciousness narrative style, its emphasis on the interior lives of her characters, and its innovative approach to time and space.

Throughout her life, Woolf struggled with mental health issues, including depression and bipolar disorder. She ultimately died by suicide in 1941, at the age of 59. Despite her struggles, Woolf remains an important figure in modernist literature and her work continues to be studied and celebrated today.

Notable Works -  

• Mrs. Dalloway (1925)
• To the Lighthouse (1927)
• The Voyage Out (1915)
• Jacob's Room (1922)
• Orlando (1928)
• The Waves (1931)
• Night and Day (1919)

[1] In this First question, we have to write some answers to the questions mentioned in the attached blog. 

1. 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?

It is widely known that Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando" was inspired by her romantic relationship with Vita Sackville-West, and many aspects of the novel's plot and characters are thought to be based on their personal experiences. In particular, the character of Orlando is believed to be a composite of Woolf and Sackville-West, with elements of both writers' personalities and lives.

However, "Orlando" is not simply a retelling of Woolf and Sackville-West's love affair. The novel explores a range of themes and issues beyond their relationship, including gender identity, time, history, and literature. The book is a meditation on the nature of identity itself, as Orlando changes gender and experiences life in different historical periods while retaining a sense of continuity and selfhood throughout.

At its core, "Orlando" is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the creative spirit, as embodied by Orlando's artistic pursuits and Woolf's own literary experimentation. The book is a playful and experimental exploration of the nature of biography and history, challenging the reader's assumptions about the stability of identity and the fixity of historical narratives.

Overall, while "Orlando" may have been influenced by Woolf and Sackville-West's relationship, the novel is a rich and complex work that explores a range of themes and issues beyond their personal lives.

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

That being said, it is widely known that both Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West were queer women who lived in a time when same-sex relationships were not widely accepted or understood. Both writers explored themes of gender and sexuality in their work, and their personal lives undoubtedly influenced their creative output.

However, it is important to remember that identity is a complex and multifaceted concept, and there is no one "correct" way to experience or express one's sense of self. It is not productive or helpful to try to label or categorize individuals based on their sexuality or gender identity.

Ultimately, what is most important is that people are able to live authentically and express themselves in ways that feel true to who they are. As a society, we should strive to create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity, where everyone is able to live without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

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

Throughout history, society's views on women and identity have been shaped by a variety of cultural, social, and political factors. In many societies, women have been relegated to traditional gender roles and expected to conform to certain expectations about their behavior, appearance, and life choices.

For many years, women were denied access to education and opportunities for personal and professional development, which limited their ability to express themselves and pursue their goals. Women were often seen as secondary to men, and their identities were defined in relation to their roles as wives, mothers, and caretakers.

Thankfully, in recent years, there has been progressing in terms of gender equality and women's rights. Women have gained greater access to education, employment, and political representation, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.

However, despite this progress, there is still a long way to go before women's identities are fully valued and respected in all contexts. Women continue to face discrimination and marginalization based on their gender, race, ethnicity, and other factors, and there is a need for ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

What can we do for changing the rule for that type of society peoples?

Gender roles at home can and should be blurred. We should be teaching all our children to cook, clean, do laundry and fix things around the house – essential life skills for any adult. We should also be aware of cultural inconsistencies in how we treat girls and boys and the messages we are sending our daughters. We need to challenge cultural expectations that women should be responsible for things that men are not. Women are equally capable as men to be successful and happy. Our childhood upbringing and culture should reflect that.

Indian's Views on women and identity

More than half a century ago, India was one of the first countries in the world to elect a woman as prime minister, and the country currently has several highly influential women politicians, including Sonia Gandhi, the head of one of the major national parties. Today, most Indians say that “women and men make equally good political leaders,” and more than one-in-ten feel that women generally make better political leaders than men, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey of nearly 30,000 adults throughout India.

Most Indians (63%) see sons – not daughters – as being primarily responsible for parents’ last rites and burial rituals. Religious funeral practices for loved ones are widely seen as very important, and at least according to Hindu tradition, sons must perform last rites for a parent to ensure freedom for the soul in the afterlife. Recently, women – including actress Mandira Bedi and the daughters of India’s former Chief of Defense Staff – have publicly challenged these norms by lighting family members’ funeral pyres.

4. What are your views on Gender Identity? Will you like to give any message to society?

Gender identity refers to a person's internal sense of their own gender. It is a deeply personal and subjective experience that can differ from the sex assigned at birth, and may not fit into traditional binary categories of male or female.It is also important to recognize the diversity of gender identities and expressions that exist within society, and to promote inclusivity and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. This includes creating safe and supportive spaces for transgender and non-binary individuals and working to address the social and systemic barriers that can prevent them from accessing resources and opportunities.

Gender is a composite of socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities and/or attributes that a given society may consider appropriate for people of an assigned sex. Gender identity, like gender, refers to an individual’s personal sense of being female, male, both, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. Gender identity may or may not correspond to the sex assumed or assigned at birth.

The following is a list of collectively used gender identities and expressions:

Agender: A person who identifies with this term will often consider themselves as not subscribing to any gender identity.

Cisgender: This term is commonly used to refer to people who identify exclusively with the gender assigned at birth.

Demigender: This is a term used to describe a person who feels a connection and/or has an internal leaning toward a particular gender. 

Gender Questioning: Gender questioning describes someone who is questioning all or parts of their gender identity or expression and does not wish to identify themselves with a specific gender identity.

Intergender: Intergender describes a gender identity that is a mix of both masculine and feminine identities.

Multi-Gender: Multi-gender describes people who hold more than one gender identity.

Transgender/Trans: Transgender is used to describing any person who has a gender identity that is different from the gender they were assigned at birth.

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

One notable aspect of the film's direction is its use of visual symbolism and metaphor. The film's surreal and dreamlike visuals are used to convey the fluidity of time and space, as well as the shifting nature of identity. For example, the use of mirrors and reflections throughout the film highlights the idea of duality and the reflection of one's inner self.

Another important element of the film's direction is its use of space and setting. The film is set in various historical periods, including Elizabethan England, the Victorian era, and the present day, and each period is depicted with great attention to detail and historical accuracy. The use of space and setting in the film is also used to convey the changing social and cultural attitudes towards gender and identity over time.

Overall, the direction of "Orlando" is marked by its bold and unconventional approach to storytelling, which is conveyed through its use of visual symbolism, metaphor, and attention to historical detail. The film's exploration of gender and identity remains relevant and thought-provoking, even decades after its initial release.

6. "Vita and Virginia" had to be made into Bollywood Adaptation, who do you think would be fit for the role of Vita and Virginia?

For the role of Vita, an actress with a strong screen presence and charisma would be needed. Some actresses who could potentially play this role include:

1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
2. Kangana Ranaut

For the role of Virginia, an actress who can convey emotional depth and nuance would be required. Some actresses who could potentially play this role include:

1. Kareena Kapoor Khan
2. Bhumi Pednekar

[2] Compulsory Question: Write your views on the movie Orlando. What differences and similarities have you noticed in the movie Vita and Virginia and Orlando?

Orlando

Directed by - Sally Potter

Based on - Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf

Protagonist/Main Character - Tilda Swinton as Orlando

"Orlando" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film directed by Sally Potter, based on the novel by Virginia Woolf. The film tells the story of a young nobleman named Orlando who, in the Elizabethan era, is granted immortality by Queen Elizabeth I and experiences a journey of self-discovery through different eras of English history, transforming into a woman along the way.

One of the strengths of the film is its exploration of gender identity and fluidity, which was quite progressive for its time. Tilda Swinton gives an outstanding performance as Orlando, conveying the character's transformation and evolution over several centuries with subtlety and grace. The film's production design, costumes, and music also contribute to its overall beauty and atmosphere.

However, some viewers may find the film's pacing slow and its themes difficult to follow. Additionally, the film's commentary on class and imperialism may feel somewhat dated and overly simplistic to contemporary audiences. "Orlando" is a visually stunning and thematically complex film that is worth watching for its exploration of gender identity and the experience of being human across different eras of history.

What differences and similarities have you noticed in the movie Vita and Virginia 2018 and Orlando?

"Vita and Virginia" (2018) and "Orlando" (1992) are both based on literary works by Virginia Woolf and explore themes of gender identity and sexuality, as well as the lives of women in different historical eras. However, there are also some differences between the two films.

One major difference is in their focus and narrative structure. "Orlando" is centered around the character of Orlando and his/her journey through different eras of English history, while "Vita and Virginia" is primarily focused on the relationship between Virginia Woolf and the writer Vita Sackville-West, which was the inspiration for Woolf's novel "Orlando."

Another difference is in their visual style. "Orlando" is a highly stylized and visually stunning film that incorporates elements of period drama and magical realism. "Vita and Virginia," on the other hand, is a more naturalistic and intimate film that relies on the performances of its two lead actors, Elizabeth Debicki and Gemma Arterton, to convey the complexity of the relationship between Woolf and Sackville-West.

However, both films share a common interest in exploring the lives and experiences of women in different historical contexts, as well as the fluidity of gender and sexuality. Both films also feature strong female characters who challenge societal norms and expectations, and who experience personal and artistic growth through their relationships with other women.

While there are some differences between "Vita and Virginia" and "Orlando," both films offer compelling and thought-provoking explorations of Virginia Woolf's ideas and legacy, as well as the lives and experiences of women throughout history.

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