Virginia Woolf And Impressionism

Among Virginia Woolf's novels, one of the most famous novels To the Lighthous has provoked the widest range of readings. For years, feminist analysis, textual analysis, psychoanalysis…have all been applied to achieve a better understanding of the novel. It is commonly believed that To the Lighthouse is a masterpiece, representing the skill of stream of consciousness—subconsciously revealing people's inner mind. This novel is of an obscure plot and is shining upon the full play of impressionistic effect in literature. Based on the fundamental theory in literature and Impressionism study, this paper attempts to illustrate Woolf's Impressionistic tendencies in her literature creation from an aesthetic angle and its manifestations in literature works. Accordingly, further study is carried out regarding the comparisons between To the Lighthouse and her earlier highly experimental novel Jacob's Room in applying the Impressionistic techniques and the development.