ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Ecofeminism in the writings of Virginia Woolf: A Close Study

This research paper explores the intersection of ecofeminist theory and the literary works of Virginia Woolf, analyzing how her narratives reflect early ecological consciousness combined with feminist critique. Though Woolf wrote long before the term “ecofeminism” was coined, her literary output reveals a deeper awareness of the symbolic and philosophical connections between nature and womanhood. The study closely examines key texts such as To the Lighthouse, The Waves, Orlando, and Mrs Dalloway, focusing on Woolf’s use of natural imagery, her subversion of patriarchal structures, and her portrayal of women as intuitive, nurturing, and closely aligned with the rhythms of the natural world. Woolf’s writing style—particularly her stream-of-consciousness technique—mirrors the organic flow of natural processes and provides a non-dominating narrative form that aligns with ecofeminist ideals. Her subtle yet powerful critique of war, empire, and the masculine pursuit of control highlights an alternative worldview centered on harmony, reflection, and care. This paper talks about Woolf as a literary precursor to ecofeminist thought, showing how her depiction of feminine identity, nature, and social injustice anticipated contemporary discussions on environmental ethics and gender politics. The research also compares Woolf’s perspective with those of modern ecofeminist thinkers such as Vandana Shiva and Carolyn Merchant, highlighting convergences and limitations, especially regarding issues of class, race, and colonialism. Ultimately, this study argues that Woolf’s writings, while rooted in a specific cultural context, offer a timeless and deeply relevant lens through which it is easy to understand the interdependence of ecological and feminist concerns. Her works provide not only a critique of the existing social order but also a vision of interconnectedness and renewal that parallels strongly in the face of today’s environmental and gender crises.