Characters
Jane Austen
Jane Austen (1775–1817) is one of the novelists Woolf examines in chapter 4. Austen's major works include Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. Austen's literary genius has long been recognized, and since universities began incorporating literature beyond the ancient Greek and Roman classics, her writings have been part of the curriculum. Austen lived among the newly-established rural, propertied middle class of England, which she vividly portrays in her novels.
Beadle
Historically, a beadle had a specific role in the British university system, ensuring that college protocols were followed, particularly by students. Today, beadles are rare, and where they do exist, their duties are mostly ceremonial, such as appearing in traditional attire during processions. However, during Woolf's time, beadles still performed their traditional duties. In Woolf's book, a beadle instructs the narrator to leave the campus lawns, as she is a woman and not a member of the college.
Mary Beton
Mary Beton is one of the fictional characters in Woolf's book. She is the aunt who bequeaths the narrator an inheritance, providing her with the independence to write A Room of One's Own. However, Woolf complicates Mary's identity by asserting, "Call me Mary Beton, Mary Seton, Mary Carmichael, or by any name you please."
Woolf introduces several fictional characters and suggests that these names or personas can be associated with the book's narrating voice. Mary Beton and the other Marys serve as both narrators and fictional characters. Through this strategy, Woolf transforms herself into a collective entity, fitting for a book that addresses the collective struggle for women's rights.
Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855), the author of Jane Eyre and Villette, among other novels, is considered one of the greatest women writers, much like Jane Austen. In chapter 4, Woolf critiques Brontë's most famous work, Jane Eyre. While Woolf acknowledges the novel's many strengths, she criticizes moments where the narrative is interrupted by overt pleas for women's rights. Although Woolf supports women's rights, she believes that art should not be overtly political. She uses Brontë's work to illustrate her point that until women achieve full rights, their art may be compromised.
Mary Carmichael
Mary Carmichael, like Mary Beton and Mary Seton, is a fictional character. She is the author of the (invented) novel that the narrator examines in chapter 5. Through the analysis of this imagined book, Woolf explores her theories on the differences between men's and women's art.
George Eliot
George Eliot (1819–1880), whose birth name was Mary Ann (or Mary Anne) Evans, is mentioned twice. She was a prominent novelist and intellectual of her era who, like many women before the 20th century, adopted a male pseudonym for publishing. By using a male name, Eliot diverted critics' focus from her gender, ensuring her works received the serious critical attention they merited. Her most celebrated novels include The Mill on the Floss, Middlemarch, and Daniel Deronda. Similar to many Victorian novelists, Eliot's works deeply explore moral and ethical issues, as well as individual duties and responsibilities.
H-
Upon arriving at the women's college in chapter 1, the narrator believes she spots "J— H—— herself." This refers to Jane Ellen Harrison (1850–1928), a renowned classics scholar during Woolf's time. Harrison was among the first women to graduate from Cambridge University's Newnham College, where she lectured from 1898 to 1922.
Mary Seton
Mary Seton, like Mary Beton and Mary Carmichael, is a persona that readers can assume to be a narrator in Woolf's text. She is also a fictional character within the book. In chapter 1, Mary Seton first appears as a friend of the narrator, engaging in conversation after a dinner at the women's college. Additionally, in this same section, Mary Seton is the name given to the mother of the first Mary Seton. As a traditional woman, Mary Seton's mother did not attend college or work for women's rights, unlike her daughter.
Shakespeare's Sister
To illustrate her idea that women with artistic genius were often driven to madness or severely hindered in earlier centuries, Woolf creates a character named Shakespeare's Sister ("Judith"). Woolf imagines Judith's life, presenting a sister for the great British playwright who, despite her equal talent, could not express her art. Through this fictional character, Woolf powerfully conveys the immense waste and loss of talent in women's history.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564–1616), the illustrious British poet and playwright, is synonymous with literature and artistic genius. In A Room of One's Own, Woolf argues that Shakespeare possessed an androgynous mind, embodying both male and female traits. Woolf contends that all great art is produced by individuals with androgynous minds, as true art cannot be entirely masculine or feminine.
Professor von X.
Professor von X. is a fictional male character created by Woolf in chapter 2. He epitomizes extreme male chauvinism, being a male academic who spends much of his time elaborating on the supposed inferiority of women. Woolf portrays him as a ludicrous and unpleasant figure, suggesting that his misogyny stems from personal disappointments.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.