Politics and Aesthetics in The Diary of Virginia Woolf Studies in Major Literary Authors Series

In this critical study, Tidwell examines the conflict of aesthetics and politics in The Diary of Virginia Woolf. As a modernist writer concerned with contemporary aesthetic theories, Woolf experimented with limiting the representative nature of writing. At the same time, as a feminist, Woolf wanted to incorporate her political interests in her fiction, but overt political statement conflicted with her aesthetic ideals. Her solution was to combine innovative narrative techniques and subject matter traditionally associated with women. Tidwell analyzes several of Woolf?s novels, including To the Lighthouse, Jacob?s Room, and Between the Acts to elucidate the diary?s technique and form, as well as to cast it as a valuable contribution to Woolf?s canon.

Permissions, Acknowledgments, Introduction: “Almost a face of its own”: The Diary of Virginia Woolf, Chapter One: “But my diary has ever been scornful of stated rules!” - The Diary as Self in Virginia Woolf ’s Diary, Chapter Two: “The store house of his most private self”: The Diary of Virginia Woolf in Context, Chapter Three: “What sort of diary should I like mine to be?” The Diaries of Virgina Woolf, Katherine Mansfield, and Vera Brittain, Chapter Four: “Little waves that life makes”: Virginia Woolf’s Diary and Feminist Modernist Aesthetics, Conclusion: “I’m aware of something permanent & real in my existence”: Possibilities for Virginia Woolf’s Diary, Notes

Joanne Campbell Tidwell currently teaches at Peace College in Raleigh, NC. She earned her PhD from Auburn University in Auburn, AL.