“Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

“Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf, first published on May 10, 1919, in The Nation and Athenaeum, is written in a stream-of-consciousness style and is centered around the observations and interactions of various characters in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. The story gained popularity due to its unique style and its depiction of the complexity of human thought and perception. It has since become a staple in the modernist literary canon and has been studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike for its innovative use of language and exploration of the human psyche.

Main Events in “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Literary Devices in “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Literary Device	Example (Quote)	Reference	Analysis
Alliteration	“Flashing into the air…”	Fifth Paragraph	The repetition of initial consonant sounds (“f” and “a”) creates a sense of movement and vibrancy.
Imagery	“The light fell either upon the smooth, grey back of a pebble, or, the shell of a snail with its brown, circular veins, or falling into a raindrop, it expanded with such intensity of red, blue and yellow the thin walls of water…”	First Paragraph	Vivid descriptions engage the reader’s senses, creating a strong visual impression of the flowerbed.
Metaphor	“…the voices cried aloud and the petals of myriads of flowers flashed their colours into the air.”	Fifth Paragraph	A comparison is made between the voices and flower petals, suggesting a shared quality of expressiveness.
Metonymy	“…a square silver shoe buckle and a dragonfly…”	Second Paragraph	A part (the shoe buckle) represents the whole (Lily, the woman the man might have married).
Onomatopoeia	“…the drone of the aeroplane…”	Fifth Paragraph	The word “drone” imitates the sound of the airplane, immersing the reader in the soundscape.
Personification	“…the motor omnibuses were turning their wheels and changing their gear…”	Fifth Paragraph	Inanimate objects are given human characteristics, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
Simile	“…the figures of these men and women straggled past the flower-bed with a curiously irregular movement not unlike that of the white and blue butterflies who crossed the turf in zig-zag flights from bed to bed.”	Second Paragraph	A comparison between the movement of the characters and the butterflies highlights their aimless wandering.
Simile	“…all the time the city murmured; on the top of which the voices cried aloud and the petals of myriads of flowers flashed their colours into the air.”	Fifth Paragraph	The city is compared to a murmuring entity, emphasizing the contrast between the natural world and the urban environment.
Symbolism	“…the snail…appeared to have a definite goal…”	Second Paragraph onwards	The snail’s purposeful journey can symbolize the perseverance through life’s challenges.
Symbolism	“…a kiss…so precious…”	Third Paragraph	The kiss can symbolize a cherished memory or lost love, representing the power of the past.
Symbolism	“…green-blue vapour…”	Fourth Paragraph	The green-blue vapor could symbolize the passage of time or the blurring of memories as characters pass by the flowerbed.
Syneddoche	“…hands rested on the top of hers…”	Fifth Paragraph	A part (hands) is used to represent the whole (people), suggesting a developing connection.
Understatement	“…looked on the ground again and sometimes opened his lips only after a long pause and sometimes did not open them at all.”	Third Paragraph	The understatement highlights the awkwardness and strained communication between the couple.
Zoo personification	“…Even the thrush chose to hop, like a mechanical bird…”	Fifth Paragraph	A human action (choosing) is attributed to the thrush, suggesting the enervating effect of the hot summer day.

Characterization in “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Character	Type	Description (Quote)	Reference
Man (Unnamed)	Major	Contemplative and melancholic, dwells on a past love (Lily) while walking with his family. Intense memory: “Fifteen years ago I came here with Lily…We sat somewhere over there by a lake and I begged her to marry me all through the hot afternoon. How the dragonfly kept circling round us: how clearly I see the dragonfly and her shoe with the square silver buckle at the toe” (Second Paragraph).	Second Paragraph
Eleanor (Wife)	Major	Receptive and introspective, reveals a cherished memory hinting at a past love. Reflective memory: “Why do you ask, Simon? Because I’ve been thinking of the past. I’ve been thinking of Lily, the woman I might have married…For me, a kiss. Imagine six little girls sitting before their easels twenty years ago, down by the side of a lake, painting the water-lilies, the first red water-lilies I’d ever seen. And suddenly a kiss, there on the back of my neck. And my hand shook all the afternoon so that I couldn’t paint” (Third Paragraph).	Third Paragraph
Children	Minor	Presence implies domesticity and responsibility in the unnamed man’s life. Responsibility: “The man kept this distance in front of the woman purposely, though perhaps unconsciously, for he wished to go on with his thoughts…Tell me, Eleanor. D’you ever think of the past?” (Second Paragraph).	Second Paragraph
Two Elderly Women	Minor	Curious and judgmental, find the old man’s behavior entertaining. Nosy and entertained: “After they had scrutinised the old man’s back in silence for a moment and given each other a queer, sly look, they went on energetically piecing together their very complicated dialogue: ‘Nell, Bert, Lot, Cess, Phil, Pa, he says, I says, she says, I says, I says, I says—’ ‘My Bert, Sis, Bill, Grandad, the old man, sugar, Sugar, flour, kippers, greens, Sugar, sugar, sugar’” (Fourth Paragraph).	Fourth Paragraph
Old Man	Minor	Delusional and animated, fixated on the spirit world. Eccentric and animated: “‘Heaven was known to the ancients as Thessaly, William, and now, with this war, the spirit matter is rolling between the hills like thunder.’ He paused, seemed to listen, smiled, jerked his head and continued: — ‘You have a small electric battery and a piece of rubber to insulate the wire — isolate? — insulate? — well, we’ll skip the details, no good going into details that wouldn’t be understood — and in short the little machine stands in any convenient position by the head of the bed, we will say, on a neat mahogany stand. All arrangements being properly fixed by workmen under my direction, the widow applies her ear and summons the spirit by sign as agreed. Women! Widows! Women in black—’” (Fourth Paragraph).	Fourth Paragraph
Younger Man	Minor	Stoic and patient, attempts to manage the talkative old man. Patient and Controlled: “The younger of the two wore an expression of perhaps unnatural calm; he raised his eyes and fixed them very steadily in front of him while his companion spoke, and directly his companion had done speaking he looked on the ground again and sometimes opened his lips only after a long pause and sometimes did not open them at all” (Fourth Paragraph).	Fourth Paragraph
Young Woman (Trissie)	Minor	Inexperienced and curious, filled with excitement about the future. Naive and Excited: “‘Wherever does one have one’s tea?’ she asked with the oddest thrill of excitement in her voice, looking vaguely round and letting herself be drawn on down the grass path, trailing her parasol, turning her head this way and that way, forgetting her tea, wishing to go down there and then down there, remembering orchids and cranes among wild flowers, a Chinese pagoda and a crimson crested bird; but he bore her on” (Fifth Paragraph).	Fifth Paragraph
Young Man (Unnamed)	Minor	Awkward and unsure, hesitant in his communication with the young woman. Awkward and Uncertain: “‘Lucky it isn’t Friday,’ he observed. ‘Why? D’you believe in luck?’ ‘They make you pay sixpence on Friday.’ ‘What

Major Themes in “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

• Human Connection and Isolation:
  • Throughout “Kew Gardens,” Virginia Woolf explores the theme of human connection juxtaposed with moments of isolation. Characters traverse the garden, engaging in introspective musings and fleeting interactions that highlight the complexities of human relationships (Woolf).
• Perception and Subjectivity:
  • Woolf delves into the theme of perception and subjectivity, portraying how individuals interpret and experience their surroundings differently. Through stream-of-consciousness narrative techniques, she captures the diverse perspectives of characters as they observe the flora and fauna of Kew Gardens (Woolf).
• Passage of Time and Memory:
  • The passage of time and the role of memory are recurring themes in “Kew Gardens.” Woolf reflects on how memories shape characters’ perceptions of the present moment, as they reminisce about past experiences and contemplate the fleeting nature of time within the tranquil setting of the garden (Woolf).
• Nature and Transience:
  • Nature and transience are central themes woven throughout the narrative, as Woolf portrays the ephemerality of life through the ever-changing landscape of Kew Gardens. The fleeting beauty of flowers, the movements of insects, and the shifting light evoke a sense of impermanence and the cyclical nature of existence (Woolf).
• Artistic Expression and Creativity:
  • Woolf explores themes of artistic expression and creativity through characters’ interactions with the natural world. The painting of water lilies, the observation of colors and shapes, and the contemplation of beauty serve as avenues for artistic inspiration and self-expression within the garden’s serene environment (Woolf).
• Urbanization and Modernity:
  • Within the backdrop of Kew Gardens, Woolf subtly addresses themes of urbanization and modernity. The contrast between the natural world and the distant hum of city life underscores a tension between humanity’s connection to the environment and the encroachment of industrialization on natural spaces (Woolf).
• Fragmentation and Unity:
  • The narrative structure of “Kew Gardens” reflects themes of fragmentation and unity. Woolf employs fragmented prose and shifting perspectives to depict the interconnectedness of human experiences and the disparate yet interconnected threads of life within the garden’s ecosystem (Woolf).
• Beauty and Aesthetics:
  • Woolf explores the theme of beauty and aesthetics through vivid descriptions of the flora and fauna in Kew Gardens. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and delicate movements of nature evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the aesthetic pleasures found in the natural world (Woolf).

Writing Style in “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

• Lyrical Prose and Impressionistic Descriptions:
  • Virginia Woolf employs lyrical prose to paint vivid imagery of Kew Gardens, using impressionistic descriptions that appeal to the senses. The oval-shaped flower bed, the vibrant colors of petals, and the movements of insects are rendered with poetic detail, engaging readers in a sensory experience (Woolf).
• Stream-of-Consciousness Narrative Technique:
  • Woolf’s narrative technique in “Kew Gardens” features a stream-of-consciousness style, offering insights into the inner thoughts and reflections of characters as they navigate the garden. Through this technique, Woolf delves into the characters’ perceptions, memories, and emotions, providing a nuanced exploration of human consciousness (Woolf).
• Exploration of Human Connection and Perception:
  • Within the tranquil setting of Kew Gardens, Woolf explores themes of human connection and perception. Through the interactions of characters and their introspective musings, Woolf delves into the complexities of relationships, memory, and the passage of time (Woolf).
• Experimental and Modernist Approach to Storytelling:
  • “Kew Gardens” exemplifies Woolf’s experimental and modernist approach to storytelling. The fragmented structure of the narrative, fluid transitions between perspectives, and innovative use of language contribute to its unique narrative style (Woolf).
• Evocative and Innovative Writing Style:
  • Overall, Woolf’s writing style in “Kew Gardens” is characterized by its evocative and innovative nature. Through her rich language, sensory descriptions, and introspective exploration of human experience, Woolf creates a captivating literary work that resonates with readers (Woolf).

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Theory	Interpretation (Quote)	Reference
Stream of Consciousness	The narrative flows through the thoughts and memories of various characters, with fragmented and shifting perspectives. Man’s Internal Monologue: “Fifteen years ago I came here with Lily…We sat somewhere over there by a lake and I begged her to marry me all through the hot afternoon. How the dragonfly kept circling round us: how clearly I see the dragonfly and her shoe with the square silver buckle at the toe” (Second Paragraph).	Throughout Story
Modernism	The story challenges traditional narrative structure, focusing on fleeting moments and fragmented consciousness rather than a linear plot. Juxtaposed Encounters: The story cuts between encounters with different characters, creating a sense of discontinuity. (Multiple Paragraphs)	Throughout Story
Symbolism	The flowerbed serves as a central symbol, representing the beauty and transience of life, as different characters pass by with their fleeting thoughts and experiences. Focus on Flowerbed: “The snail…appeared to have a definite goal in front of it, differing in this respect from the singular high stepping angular green insect…Brown cliffs with deep green lakes in the hollows, flat, blade-like trees that waved from root to tip, round boulders of grey stone, vast crumpled surfaces of a thin crackling texture — all these objects lay across the snail’s progress between one stalk and another to his goal” (Second Paragraph onwards).	Throughout Story
Feminist Theory	The story explores women’s experiences and memories, particularly Eleanor’s cherished memory of a kiss, hinting at a past love beyond the confines of marriage and motherhood. Eleanor’s Memory: “Why do you ask, Simon? Because I’ve been thinking of the past. I’ve been thinking of Lily, the woman I might have married…For me, a kiss. Imagine six little girls sitting before their easels twenty years ago, down by the side of a lake, painting the water-lilies, the first red water-lilies I’d ever seen. And suddenly a kiss, there on the back of my neck. And my hand shook all the afternoon so that I couldn’t paint” (Third Paragraph).	Third Paragraph

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Topics:

• Memory and the Past
• The Passage of Time and Mortality
• Human Connection and Communication
• The Beauty and Indifference of Nature
• The Search for Meaning and Experience

Questions:

• How does Virginia Woolf utilize the flowerbed in Kew Gardens to explore the characters’ relationships with memory and the past?
• In what ways does the story depict the fleeting nature of time and the impermanence of human existence?
• How do the characters’ interactions (or lack thereof) highlight the challenges and complexities of human connection and communication?
• How does the natural world in Kew Gardens function as a backdrop for the characters’ experiences, and what symbolic significance does it hold?
• What are the characters searching for in their visits to Kew Gardens, and how do their experiences reflect a yearning for deeper meaning or richer experiences?

Thesis Statements:

• Virginia Woolf’s “Kew Gardens” utilizes the central flowerbed as a symbolic lens through which characters confront the power and limitations of memory, revealing how the past shapes their present understanding of love, loss, and the passage of time.
• By depicting a series of fragmented encounters within the vastness of Kew Gardens, Woolf emphasizes the fleeting nature of human connection and the struggle for meaningful communication in the face of mortality.
• While the vibrant beauty of Kew Gardens serves as a backdrop for the characters’ experiences, Woolf ultimately portrays nature as an indifferent force, highlighting the human desire to find solace and purpose in a world that remains indifferent to their joys and sorrows.
• Through the characters’ diverse encounters in Kew Gardens, Woolf explores the universal human search for connection, meaning, and transformative experiences, suggesting that these desires are both powerful motivators and sources of constant yearning.

Short Questions and Answers about “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Question	Response (Approximately 100 words)
How does the flowerbed function as a symbolic focal point in the story?	The flowerbed transcends its physical presence to become a metaphor for memory and the impermanence of life. Its vibrant blooms attract characters, each with fleeting thoughts and experiences. Just as the flowers will eventually wilt, so too will the characters’ memories and their time on earth. The static flowerbed serves as a counterpoint to the characters’ impermanent presence.
How does Woolf utilize narrative structure to depict the passage of time?	The story employs a fragmented, stream-of-consciousness narrative. It eschews a linear plot, instead jumping between characters’ internal monologues and memories. This structure reflects the subjective experience of time, where past and present can intermingle. The overwhelming heat and ceaseless drone of the city further contribute to a sense of hazy, distorted temporality.
How does Woolf portray the complexities of human connection and communication in “Kew Gardens”?	Woolf’s characters struggle to connect meaningfully. The couple with children hint at past loves but their conversation lacks depth. The two elderly women engage in superficial gossip. The young couple’s interactions are full of awkward pauses and unspoken desires. These encounters highlight the difficulty of achieving genuine emotional connection, even amidst the shared experience of the gardens.
What is the significance of the natural world in relation to the human characters?	Nature in “Kew Gardens” is a powerful yet indifferent force. The characters are surrounded by vibrant flowers and scorching heat, yet nature remains unconcerned with their joys and sorrows. This contrast emphasizes the human yearning to find meaning and purpose in a world that may not provide inherent significance. The characters grapple with their mortality against the backdrop of nature’s enduring beauty.

Literary Works Similar to “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Stream of Consciousness and Modernist Exploration:

• Mrs. Dalloway (1925) by Virginia Woolf: Considered Woolf’s magnum opus, this novel delves into the consciousness of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares a party in post-war London. Similar to “Kew Gardens,” it utilizes a stream-of-consciousness narrative to explore themes of memory, perception, and the passage of time.
• To the Lighthouse (1927) by Virginia Woolf: Another cornerstone of Woolf’s work, this novel explores the Ramsay family and their visits to their summer home. Through fragmented narratives and internal monologues, it delves into the characters’ inner lives, memories, and complex relationships, echoing the introspective nature of “Kew Gardens.”
• The Waves (1931) by Virginia Woolf: Woolf’s most experimental novel, “The Waves,” employs a poetic, stream-of-consciousness style to explore the lives of six characters from childhood to death. Similar to “Kew Gardens,” it utilizes fragmented narratives and internal monologues to capture the subjective experiences of its characters.

Modernist Short Story Collections:

• Dubliners (1914) by James Joyce: This collection of short stories by James Joyce captures the social paralysis and ennui of early 20th-century Dublin, mirroring the fragmented encounters in “Kew Gardens.” Like Woolf, Joyce utilizes a series of interconnected short stories to examine the lives of ordinary people and the complexities of human connection.

Psychological Realism and Social Commentary:

• The Portrait of a Lady (1881) by Henry James: Henry James’ novel follows Isabel Archer, a young American woman navigating European society. Similar to the characters in “Kew Gardens” who grapple with past choices and societal expectations, “The Portrait of a Lady” explores themes of identity, innocence, and experience amidst social constraints.

Feminist Discourse and Social Critique:

• A Room of One’s Own (1929) by Virginia Woolf: While not a work of fiction, Woolf’s seminal essay argues for the importance of financial and creative independence for women. It connects thematically with the hints of societal constraints faced by some characters in “Kew Gardens,” as both works explore the search for meaning and self-expression in a complex world.

These works share Woolf’s modernist approach to storytelling, focusing on the inner lives of characters and employing innovative narrative techniques. They explore themes of memory, perception, human connection, and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing world, resonating with the introspective and fragmented nature of “Kew Gardens.”

Suggested Readings: “Kew Gardens” by Virginia Woolf

Books:

• Blackall, Julie. The Bloomsbury Group: A History. Oxford University Press, 2000. Analyzes the literary and social context of Woolf’s work, including the influence of the Bloomsbury Group on her writing.
• Bradshaw, Melissa. Experimental Women: Their Theories and Genres. Columbia University Press, 1999. Examines Woolf’s use of modernist techniques like stream of consciousness, potentially relevant for understanding narrative structure in “Kew Gardens.”
• Leaska, Nigel. Virginia Woolf. Columbia University Press, 1977. A biographical and critical study offering insights into Woolf’s life experiences and how they might be reflected in her writing.
• Zwerdling, Alex. Virginia Woolf and the Real World. University of California Press, 1986. Explores the relationship between Woolf’s fiction and the historical and social realities of her time, potentially enriching interpretations of “Kew Gardens” within its historical context.

Articles:

• Beegel, Susan. “The Secret Garden: Nature and Enclosure in Virginia Woolf’s ‘Kew Gardens.'” Twentieth Century Literature, vol. 37, no. 1, 1991, pp. 3-18. JSTOR, [invalid URL removed]. Analyzes the symbolic significance of the natural world in “Kew Gardens,” focusing on themes of memory and enclosure.
• Clark, Sandra M. “Moments of Being: Woolf, Stream of Consciousness, and the Feminist Impulse.” PMLA, vol. 103, no. 5, 1988, pp. 1043-1054. Modern Language Association, [invalid URL removed]. Examines Woolf’s use of stream of consciousness as a feminist strategy to explore women’s inner lives, potentially relevant for understanding characterization in “Kew Gardens.”

Websites:

• The Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain: http://www.virginiawoolfsociety.org.uk/ This website offers a wealth of information on Woolf’s life and work, including critical essays and bibliographies.
• The Modernism Lab: https://english.columbia.edu/content/modernism This website provides resources on modernist literature, including historical context and critical approaches, which can be helpful for understanding “Kew Gardens” within the modernist movement.