Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own - Chapters 1-2 Summary

Virginia Woolf's lecture, 'A Room of One's Own,' explores the challenges women face in writing fiction. Through a fictional narrative, the narrator visits Oxbridge, reflecting on women's exclusion from education and resources. The narrator's journey highlights the societal barriers women encounter, emphasizing the need for financial independence and personal space. Woolf critiques the male-dominated literature and envisions a future where women have equal opportunities. The lecture underscores the importance of independence for creativity and the potential for women to thrive in the 2020s.

What is the main reason Virginia Woolf chose the title 'A Room of One's Own' for her lecture?

• To discuss the architectural design of women's colleges.

• To critique the educational system of her time.

• To highlight the need for women to have personal space and financial independence to write.

• To emphasize the importance of family support for women writers.

What fictional setting does the narrator visit to explore the topic of women and fiction?

• Oxbridge University

• London University

• Oxford University

• Cambridge University

How does the narrator feel after being denied entry to the library at Oxbridge?

• Indifferent

• Amused

• Angry

• Relieved

What does the tailless cat symbolize for the narrator?

• The independence of female writers.

• The loss of music and beauty after the Great War.

• The freedom of women in society.

• The wealth of men's colleges.

What historical fact does the narrator reflect on regarding women's financial independence?

• Women have always been able to own property.

• Women could own property since 1882.

• Women were never allowed to work.

• Women had equal rights since the 1800s.

What is the narrator's reaction to the books written by male experts on women?

• She finds them enlightening.

• She is indifferent to them.

• She feels humiliated and angry.

• She agrees with their opinions.

What conclusion does the narrator draw about the male experts' views on women?

• They reflect men's need to affirm their superiority.

• They are unbiased and fair.

• They are based on scientific research.

• They are supportive of women's rights.

What change does the narrator foresee for women in the 2020s?

• Women will be restricted to domestic roles.

• Women will not be allowed to write.

• Women will be able to work in various fields.

• Women will have fewer job opportunities.

How does having her own money affect the narrator?

• It frees her from bitterness and fosters creativity.

• It causes her financial stress.

• It makes her dependent on others.

• It limits her creativity.

What does the narrator believe about women's contributions in the future?

• They will be the same as in the past.

• They will be highly valued.

• They will be ignored.

• They will be undervalued.