Paradox in the Quest for Self-Identity in Virginia Woolf'sThe Waves

Abstract

Woolf throughThe Waveshas endeavored to expose the underlying reality, that is,the lack of identity of women and domination and bragging nature of males in almost all aspects of life deep-rooted in the male-dominated society. The female characters, Jinny, Susan and especially Rhodarepresentwomen in patriarchy and male characters Neville, Bernard and Louis carry on the male voice and attitudes.The Wavessymbolically denote the mental waves constructed in the cultural practices. In addition to all these, Woolf makes it crystal clear that life of women in patriarchy is troublesome since their self suffers a lot and eventually they get to the situation that they feel short of their individual identity as well whereas males proudly allege that they are commendable and their future is bright too. Such speculation is especially made by Neville. HenceTheWavesindeed portrays the conflicting interrelationship long extant between women and men. The reason for presentation of such social issues is the efforts made by Woolf to awaken the slumbering women in the domain of male chauvinism. Furthermore,the obligatory situations of womenseem to have been emphasizedin such a symbolic way even common readers feel conducive to assimilate with the fragile plight of females in patriarchy.