Virginia Woolf's Short Stories

Virginia Woolf is deservedly classed as one of the best novelists of the early twentieth century, but what of her short stories? This study is designed to give these shorter texts the time and attention they merit. Participants will discover that they yield the same expansive meanings and levels of complexity as her longer works, and are arguably even more mysterious and engaging.

Far from being mere experiments, these texts serve as expertly and precisely crafted philosophical and aesthetic explorations. Each piece is captivatingly jewel-like, showing off Woolf’s expert handling of imagery and style.

We don’t often offer lectures in the Salon, but this particular study will begin with an introductory lecture by Dr Karina Jakubowicz on Woolf and the short story form. She will provide some background to Woolf as a short story writer before diving into some of the complexities (and controversies) behind her best known shorter works. Participants will then read and discuss one short story per week, covering such seminal texts as Kew Gardens, Mrs Dalloway on Bond St and the fictionalised essay, Street Haunting.

Follow this link to book to join the lecture alone without the following study sessions on individual stories.

1. Introductory lecture by Karina Jakubowicz (on Zoom)
2. The Mark on the Wall
3. Kew Gardens
4. Mrs Dalloway on Bond St
5. Solid Objects
6. Street Haunting

JOINING DETAILS:

• Six-week study of Virginia Woolf’s short stories led by Karina Jakubowicz on Zoom
• Mondays 6.00-8.00 pm (UK time), 28 October, 4, 11, 18 & 25 November, 2 December
• Introductory lecture Karina Jakubowicz followed by five study meetings devoted to individual stories (as listed above)
• £200 for six week study including lecture or £30 for the two-hour lecture alone
• Please email litsalon@gmail.com for options to add ongoing assessment and certification and/or to access a recording of the lecture.