Hello everyone! I'm Priyanshi and welcome to my blog and here I'm sharing my personal experience, perspectives and insights through the movie of vita and Virginia and this blog was the part of the thinking task which was given by Vaidehi ma'am.
Thinking task:
1) Who do you think is initiating the relationship, Vita or Virginia? Who do you think is taking advantage of this relationship?
As for who was taking advantage of the relationship, it’s important observe that both Vita and Virginia were married to men at the time, and their relationship was consensual. They both derived something from their relationship: Vita found in Virginia a kindred spirit and intellectual equal, while Virginia was inspired by Vita to write one of her most celebrated works, the novel "Orlando". Therefore, it wouldn’t be accurate to say that one was taking advantage of the other. Their relationship was a source of inspiration and emotional support for both of them.
2) Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.
The question of identity confusion between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West is complex and multifaceted. Both women had intricate personal lives and identities that were shaped by their experiences, relationships, and the societal norms of their time.
Virginia Woolf: Virginia Woolf was a renowned writer and a central figure in the intellectual circle known as the Bloomsbury Group. She was married to Leonard Woolf, a politically active left-wing writer1. However, she also had a romantic relationship with Vita Sackville-West. This relationship, along with her innovative literary style, has led some critics to suggest that Woolf may have grappled with her sexual identity.
Vita Sackville-West: Vita Sackville-West was a popular writer from an aristocratic family. She was married to Harold Nicolson, a diplomat, but like Woolf, she too had relationships with other women. Her relationship with Virginia Woolf was particularly significant, and it inspired one of Woolf’s most celebrated works, the novel "Orlando". Sackville-West’s experiences and relationships suggest that she too might have faced questions about her identity.
In conclusion, both Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West had complex identities that were influenced by their personal relationships and societal norms. Their identities were not fixed but fluid, and they both navigated the complexities of their identities in their own ways. It’s important to note that any discussion of their identities should be grounded in historical context and respect for their personal experiences.
Vita Sackville-West, portrayed as a successful writer and aristocratic socialite, is known for her strong will, sense of adventure, and numerous love affairs, particularly with women. This was much to the chagrin of her mother and society at large, which held conservative views about women’s roles and identities.
Virginia Woolf, on the other hand, is depicted as an ethereal and well-spoken bohemian writer. Her genius is often explained away as madness by society, reflecting the societal tendency to dismiss women’s intellectual capabilities.
according to my own personal emotions and it’s clear that the societal views depicted in the movie were restrictive and biased. The characters of Virginia and Vita challenge these norms, showcasing the complexity and diversity of women’s identities. Their story serves as a reminder of the progress made in societal attitudes towards women and identity, while also highlighting the challenges that still exist.
4) Write a note on your observations of the society during that era.
The movie “Virginia and Vita” provides a fascinating glimpse into the society of 1920s England, a period marked by significant societal changes. The film is set amidst the bohemian high society of this era, a time when traditional norms were being challenged and a new wave of intellectual and artistic freedom was emerging. This was a society that was grappling with the tension between tradition and progress, a tension that was reflected in the lives of the characters in the film.
One of the key aspects of this society was the Bloomsbury Group, an informal collective that included Virginia Woolf, Vita Sackville-West, and other notable literary figures of the time. This group was known for its progressive views on art, literature, and society, and it played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the era. However, despite the progressive views of groups like the Bloomsbury Group, the society of the 1920s was still marked by rigid views on women’s roles. Women were expected to conform to certain norms, and their intellectual capabilities were often dismissed. This is reflected in the movie through the character of Virginia Woolf, who, despite her immense talent and intellect, had to struggle against societal expectations and prejudices.
Another interesting aspect of the society depicted in the movie is the unconventional lifestyles of some of its characters. Both Virginia and Vita were in open marriages, something that was quite unusual for the time. This reflects the non-traditional lifestyles that were being explored by some individuals within the high society, further highlighting the tension between tradition and progress that characterized this era.
The era was also marked by a rich literary output, with Virginia Woolf’s novel “Orlando”, which was based on Vita Sackville-West, being a notable work from this period. This novel, like the movie, explores themes of gender, identity, and societal norms, providing a commentary on the society of the time.
Finally, it’s worth noting the progressive political views that were held by some individuals during this era. Virginia Woolf, for instance, had strong views in support of feminism and pacifism, and she spoke out against colonialism. These views were quite progressive for the time, but they were also met with resistance from the society, further highlighting the complexities and contradictions of this fascinating period.
In conclusion, the society during the era of “Virginia and Vita” was a complex mix of traditional norms and progressive ideas. The movie provides a fascinating glimpse into this society, highlighting the tensions, contradictions, and complexities of this era. It’s a society that, despite its flaws and contradictions, produced some of the most influential literary works of the 20th century and left a lasting impact on the world.
5) Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?
The direction of the movie “Virginia and Vita” is commendable for its ability to capture the nuances of the era and the complexities of the characters’ lives. The director skillfully uses visual storytelling to convey the emotional depth of the characters and the societal context in which they lived. The film’s pacing, framing, and cinematography all contribute to creating a vivid and immersive portrayal of 1920s England.
One of the most striking symbols in the movie is the use of mirrors. Mirrors are often used to reflect Virginia’s introspective nature and her struggle with mental health. They serve as a metaphor for self-reflection and introspection, highlighting Virginia’s internal conflicts and her quest for self-understanding.
The use of space in the movie is also noteworthy. The contrast between the confined spaces of Virginia’s home and the open landscapes of Vita’s ancestral estate symbolizes the contrast between their lives. Virginia’s life is marked by restrictions and societal expectations, while Vita enjoys a certain degree of freedom and independence. This contrast is further emphasized by the director’s use of lighting and color schemes, with Virginia’s scenes often characterized by a darker, more subdued palette, and Vita’s scenes featuring brighter, more vibrant colors.
In conclusion, the direction of “Virginia and Vita” is effective in bringing the characters and their era to life. The use of symbols and space in the movie adds depth to the narrative and enhances the portrayal of the characters and their societal context. The movie serves as a compelling exploration of the lives of two remarkable women and the society in which they lived.
6) "Vita and Virginia" had to be made into a Bollywood Adaptation, who do you think would be fit for the role of Vita and Virginia?
In a Bollywood adaptation of “Vita and Virginia”, the casting would need to reflect the depth and complexity of the characters. For the role of Virginia Woolf, an actress like Vidya Balan could be a suitable choice. Known for her nuanced performances and ability to portray complex characters, Vidya Balan could effectively capture Virginia’s introspective nature and intellectual prowess.
For the role of Vita Sackville-West, an actress like Priyanka Chopra Jonas might be a fitting choice. Her strong screen presence and versatility as an actress would allow her to embody Vita’s charisma and independence.
Both actresses have proven their acting prowess in various roles and genres, and their pairing could bring a fresh perspective to the intriguing relationship between Virginia and Vita. However, the final casting decision would depend on various factors including the vision of the director and the chemistry between the actors.
THANK YOU!
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