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In Mr Bennett and Mrs Brown, Virginia Woolf:​
Question

In Mr Bennett and Mrs Brown, Virginia Woolf:​

A.

Responds to E.M. Forster’s remarks on character in fiction.

B.

Criticises book-buying preferences of the educated English class.

C.

Analyses the state of modern fiction by contrasting two generations of writers.

D.

Presents modernity as a stable and coherent project uniting all artists.

E.

Question Not Attempted

Correct option is C

Explanation:

In her essay Mr Bennett and Mrs Brown (1924), Woolf critiques the Edwardian writers (e.g., Arnold Bennett, H.G. Wells, John Galsworthy) for their focus on external details and social structures, arguing that they neglect the inner life of characters.
Woolf praises the Georgian writers (e.g., E.M. Forster) for their exploration of characters’ psychological depths, emotions, and individual consciousness.

Information Booster:

Virginia Woolf (1882–1941): A pioneering modernist writer known for works like Mrs Dalloway and A Room of One's Own. Her essays often challenged literary norms and argued for greater freedom in fiction.

The essay introduces "Mrs Brown" as a symbol of human complexity and individuality, critiquing Bennett for failing to capture her essence in his characters.

Mr Bennett and Mrs Brown is a foundational text in the modernist movement, advocating for innovation in literature and a deeper exploration of the human psyche.

"Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Brown" by Virginia Woolf is an essay published in the early 20th century.

  • The work reflects on the evolution of character in modern fiction, particularly contrasting the narrative styles and character portrayals of Edwardian writers like Arnold Bennett with her own emerging Georgian perspective.
  • The central theme revolves around the definition of realism in character depiction and how it has transformed in the literary landscape of the time.
  • In the essay, Woolf presents a detailed examination of character development in fiction, using the character of Mrs. Brown as an example to illustrate her points.
  • Through an anecdote about a train journey, Woolf discusses how the portrayal of this character reflects deeper realities of modern life, showcasing her struggles and unique personality.
  • Woolf critiques the techniques of her Edwardian predecessors, who she believes failed to capture the essence of character in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.
  • She emphasizes the need for a new approach to writing that seeks to present characters as multifaceted and real, urging writers and readers alike to evolve beyond the limitations of past conventions in literature.

Edwardian Writers: Focused on realism and societal issues, emphasizing detailed settings and external conditions. Examples include Bennett and Wells.

Georgian Writers: Broke away from realism, emphasizing subjective experiences and experimentation. Woolf’s own works like To the Lighthouse embody this shift.

Woolf famously claimed that “on or about December 1910 human character changed,” signifying a transition in literature’s focus.



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