Three Guineas Overview

A book-length essay by Virginia Woolf in the form of a letter arguing against war and societal inequality.

Someone who opposes war or violence as a means of settling disputes.

A societal structure that gives men more power and privileges compared to women.

Woolf differentiates between the general public and those with access to education, highlighting unequal opportunities.

Formal learning at a university; a symbol of power and influence.

A college specifically designed for women, addressing their lack of university access.

Donations given with specific requirements or conditions.

Donations given without any stipulations or conditions.

Jobs or careers that commonly require a university education.

The 'three guineas' represent Woolf's commitment to supporting women's causes.

Virginia Woolf's essay arguing for women's equality to prevent war, using the metaphor of three guineas to demonstrate how women can fight against inequality in society.

A system where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property.

Middle-class jobs requiring a university education, mostly occupied and dominated by men, often with unequal pay for women.

Discontinued British currency used by Woolf as a metaphor for contributions to different causes for social change.

Limited compared to men's in terms of access to higher education and financial opportunities in Woolf's time.

The concept of stopping future conflicts through societal change, focusing on removing inequality and changing social norms between men and women.

A belief that war is necessary and that women's rights must be fought; linked to Woolf's view of societal inequality in 'Three Guineas'.

Showing favoritism toward relatives, which affects access to jobs in 'the professions'

A society where men hold most of the power, privileges, and wealth.

Woolf criticizes the gender imbalance and its ties to societal issues like war and fascism.

Women face limited access to resources, education, & earning potential in a patriarchal society.

The idea that success is based solely on merit is false in Woolf's view; favoritism & privilege matters.

Woolf suggests that women need economic independence to fight the patriarchy.

Woolf points out the artificial ceilings and limitations on women's earnings.

Women's limited financial means prevent them from impacting politics and society.

Woolf believes patriarchy is inextricably linked to war and various forms of inequality.

The three guineas represent the financial resources women need to challenge the patriarchal system.

Woolf argues war is a symptom of societal inequality, not an isolated issue.

Woolf connects war, inequality, and the patriarchal system, emphasizing the need to address societal structures for a lasting peace.

Woolf's pacifism is not simply opposing war, but dismantling the underlying societal structures that cause conflict.

Woolf argues war cannot be ended until society is equal, linking social inequality directly with conflict.

Well-paid, influential professions (like law, banking) primarily held by educated men, excluding women.

Woolf highlights how class and gender inequality intersect, often combining to create disadvantage for women, regardless of their class.

Woolf's call to action against war and inequality, symbolized by donating to progressive causes.

Guineas, a historical British currency, represent outdated systems and structures in need of dismantling, in Woolf's metaphor.

In Woolf's essay, guineas represent symbolic support for social causes. Their monetary value is secondary to their potential to influence societal change.

Woolf's support of causes, symbolized by guineas, is not unconditional; she attaches intellectual conditions and nuances to her financial contributions.

Woolf evaluates a women's college, an organization facilitating women in professions, and an anti-war society, before offering her symbolic support.

Woolf's support goes beyond just the financial value of the guineas, focusing on restructuring society toward gender equality.

Gender disparity in financial donations limits women's power to shape society, as their financial resources are often smaller than men's.

Woolf presents her argument as a letter in response to a letter received.

Woolf's letter though addressed to one person, is written so that it is a public letter, blending private and public aspects of communication.

A society where men and masculinity hold more power, influence and privileges than women.

Woolf uses letters as symbols to highlight the complex ways women are marginalized in a patriarchal society.

Woolf's response to an unnamed man highlights societal limitations and inequality despite his well-intentioned efforts.