Gender Roles in "Lappin and Lapinova" by Virginia Woolf

Abstract

This article examines Virginia Woolf's "Lappin and Lapinova" as a profound exploration of individual identity that contradict with societal expectation. This writing utilizes the critical framework established by Constantinople (1973), which analyzes the construction and representation of gender in literature. Additionally, it incorporates insights from Thompson and Bennet (2015) regarding the impact of these norms on interpersonal dynamics. In "Lappin and Lapinova," Woolf intricately portrays the transformation of Rosalind and Ernest into Lapinova and Lappin, respectively. Rosalind's shift into the empowered Lapinova symbolizes liberation from stereotype gender roles, while Ernest's discomfort reflects societal anxieties surrounding masculinity. This dual transformation of both characters on a journey of self-discovery challenges foundational societal expectation. Ultimately, their experiences reveal the complexities of gender identity and provoke critical questions about authenticity in a societal expectation. This research contributes to the understanding of gender roles in literature and underscores the positive impact of challenging societal expectations on gender identity.