Killing the Angel in the House

by Virginia Woolf

Classics of feminist consciousness.

Genres: Nonfiction, Classics, Feminism, Essays, Short Stories, Literature, Womens

90 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1995

About the author

(Adeline) Virginia Woolf was an English novelist and essayist regarded as one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the twentieth century.

During the interwar period, Woolf was a significant figure in London literary society and a member of the Bloomsbury Group. Her most famous works include the novels Mrs. Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927), and Orlando (1928), and the book-length essay A Room of One's Own (1929) with its famous dictum, "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."

Reviews

[Coenraad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Woolf often commented on the plight of women who wanted to be artists, especially writers. She was also strongly aware that women were kept back because of the prevalent limitations on the education of women. Even though she was a well-known author, she was not allowed in Oxbridge college libraries without a male chaperone. The most extensive writing on these matters appears in A room of one's own. The seven pieces collected in this final volume of the Penguin 60s set link with those trains of thought, but adds another important matter: that of class distinctions between women. Eloquently and passionately argued, these pieces still force us to look at the state of women's education in the world today, especially poignant in the year (2014) in which Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (shared with Kailash Satyarthi) for her advocacy of the education of girls, particularly in Muslim countries.

Die sewe minder bekende essays wat hier gebundel word, ondersteun Virginia Woolf se skryfwerk oor die posisie van vroue in die samelewing, veral wat opvoeding en die kunste betref. Al het toestande dramaties verbeter, demonstreer die toekenning van die Nobel Vredesprys vir 2014 aan Malala Yousafzai en Kailash Satyarthi dat universele opvoeding vir alle kinders, en veral vir alle vroue, nog 'n toekomsideaal is.

[Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering that 70-80 years have passed in the fight for women's rights since Woolf first recorded the essays herein, the critiques possess an unyielding vitality. Sadly, as Woolf knew even then, the phantom of male superiority is hard to kill, a self-promulgating dictum which manifests as women still earn less than men, have less access to education, healthcare, and positions of authority-and where Woolf makes her strongest point-still have less of a standing in what western (and eastern) society deems its cultural cannon.

[Rishika · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is sooo the last great american dynasty coded

[Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a girl boss. She is good at what she does, and annihilates her misogynistic opposition. 7 essays, with some being reviews of books or even a review of a review of a book. They were fun to read however some I did not quite understand the context due to my lack of nineteenth century gossip, but all and all a good read, I will definitely read more of Woolfs in the future. 3.5/5.

[Lujza · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a very few people who wrote about women so well AND without putting down men AND all of that at the beginning of the 20th century. It makes me wish to have known Virginia in person.

[Urszula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I particularly liked the “Professions for Women” lecture, since sadly it’s still current “…she has still many ghosts to fight, many prejudices to overcome. Indeed it will be a long time still, I think, before a woman can sit down to write a book without finding a phantom to be slain, a rock to be dashed against”. I also really enjoyed the polemic with Affable Hawk, where she puts emphasis on the lack of opportunities for women, which was part of our history for centuries. “But it is not education only that is needed. It is that women should have liberty of experience; that they should differ from men without fear… that all activity of the mins should be encouraged that there will always be in existence a nucleus of women who think, invent, imagine and create as freely as men do, and with as little fear of ridicule and condescension”. You can also find here the story of the beginnings of the feminism movement in England, as well as a beautiful essay on Ellen Terry, which showcases the author’s admiration but also yet again showcases women’s struggles. So this random little book actually brought me a nice perspective on Wolf’s views on gender, feminism, and creative process.

[Fiasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version fits in the pocket of your jeans which is very nice because you can read it on the subway when smart looking people are near. Of course, regardless of appearing cool, it was really interesting. It contains multiple essays, some were answers to men reacting to women in newspapers, so the context wasn't always clear to me (though it was explained in the footnotes) but it does feel like history repeats itself. Many things she said, you could also read today in feminists debates on the internet. So, eventhough I didn't always understood the context of the essays, I unterstood the message and how it's still relevant today.

[naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

fire essays

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were the first essays by Virginia Woolf I ever read and I loved every single one of them. I bought the book for the first essay (Professions for Women) but ended up liking the rest even more.

[Mira]

Woolf Woolf

[Camille McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and easy to read book of essays, responses to reviews, and speeches given by Virginia Woolf.I thought the title piece, "Killing the Angel in the House," was really the best, and without it I wouldn't have liked this collection very much. Most of the book is sadly Woolf having to defend women/the entire female gender from men who make claims about women being stupid or unable to amount to much. It gets a little old trying to argue for the right to have rights or opportunities, as I'm sure anyone from any oppressed group can attest - instead of arguing about whether we deserve this or that right, maybe we should just get it and see what happens. It is telling that this is what so many women had to spend precious hours of their life on, though, and definitely gives a sense of what they were up against, and clearly Woolf felt that it was her duty to stand up to these men making these arguments/assumptions, kind of like I feel the need to start Facebook arguments with all kinds of people even though I know it's a pain in the ass and a waste of time for the most part.
I would recommend just reading the first speech in this book if you aren't super into Woolf.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

she really just does words like that doesnt she? sometimes i forget they can be like that and am always happy to be reminded.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad bitch shit. Ahead of her time.

[uwuhoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writings Woolf made to uplift women from all classes are some of the most sympathetic - and I would even argue reverent - portrayals of personhood that I've read. She could see through the crushing inequality facing women of her time and used her words to cut through it with such scathing review that I was beyond entertained.

Woolf advocates for women to exist without the burden of traditional roles of womanhood - of being servile and patient and passive - all that erodes one's ability to live for themselves, and instead argues for the necessity of their art and their experiences to be respected in western canon.

I definitely want to read more by her!

[Ramona Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent example of an author using every single word in communicating her thesis. Woolf uses the power of words (for what else is there?) to bring women into a right and equal place in society. The book's title speaks to 'the woman' caught in this culture --being an angel---not to disrupt or disturb, one being pleasant and kind. The 'angel' must be killed....it is not authentic or helpful and destroys being a woman

[Ana Sáenz de Miera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aunque las cosas han mejorado mucho, “el ángel del hogar” sigue tan vigente… ese enorme peso que tenemos las mujeres por lo que la sociedad espera de nosotras por el hecho de ser mujeres. Un concepto muy de actualidad, central en la lucha del feminismo y que yo desconocía.

Una joya que me ha encantado descubrir y leer. Esun recopilatorio de 7 ensayos en torno a este concepto), que de alguna forma es parecida a una habitación propia

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the critical articles had been written by V.W. There were a couple goo articles/criticisms. The most interesting thing about it was in the back of the book that Virginia wanted to write a sequel to A Room of One’s Own about female sexuality.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My dear, you are a young woman. You are writing about a book that has been written by a man. Be sympathetic; be tender; flatter; deceive; use all the arts and wiles of our sex. Never let anybody guess that you have a mind of your own."

Fabulous book. Chefs kiss.

[Isabelle B.L · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, "Killing the Angel in the House" is a must read. It was relevant then when Virginia Woolf wrote about this and is so relevant now. Thank you to author Mary L. Tabor for directing me to this fabulous essay that I hadn't heard of.

[Elizabeth Santaromita · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Had I not killed her she would have killed me. She would have plucked the heart out of my writing ——— Killing the Angel in the House was part of the occupation of a woman writer”

I think Woolf is the closest I’ll get to studying the Gospel

[AuDiggory · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are some reviews put together. None of them of special interest to me but some ideas match with what I was expecting from Virginia Woolf: descriptive feminism, bravery and plain arguments.

[Jo Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keeper, these essays are the business.

[Tyler Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember being very excited to get a copy of this, but I think it was more about the concept than the actual writing which I didn't enjoy that much

[zouille · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - my teacher recommended it but it was so boring i could not read more than 20pages

[merv · Rating 5 out of 5]

slay (her)

[Harriet ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kill that angel girl

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killing the angel in the house & Ellen Terry ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

girls rule, boys drool.

[Adia Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always had a habit when reading well known authors, i start with their lesser/underrated or rarely discussed works, like essays, notes, few writings, etc. to be able to understand their foundation and uncover what it means to grow into their voice and legacy. I began with these seven powerful essays by Virginia Woolf and one thing is clear, she was truly ahead of her time, challenging conventions with a fearless intellect and a bold sense of purpose. She was without a doubt a girl boss in her era.

Woolf’s call to “kill” this angel is deeply impactful, emphasizing the importance of freeing oneself from oppressive societal norms. Her metaphor isn’t about rejecting kindness or nurturing qualities but rather about breaking free from the expectation that women must silence their own voices, suppress their desires, and put aside their ambitions to fit an imposed ideal.

I still see this as a struggle that continues even today. While societal roles for women have evolved significantly, remnants of this “angel” remain in both subtle and overt pressures urging women to prioritize others, conform to expectations, or maintain an image of “agreeableness.” Woolf’s metaphor serves as a reminder that the battles within ourselves can be just as challenging as external ones. To create, lead, or live authentically, women must confront and break free from these deeply ingrained constraints.

In many ways, “killing the Angel in the House” is an act of reclamation of one’s mind, body, and spirit. It’s a rejection of passivity and a call to embrace one’s individuality, even at the cost of societal disapproval. Woolf’s insight remains a timeless and universal reminder of the ongoing fight for autonomy and equality, not only for women but for anyone stifled by societal expectations.

[J. Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woolf is a really spectacular writer. Can we all just agree on that please?
She's got this wonderful way of going about her topics-- it's a very "tell it slant" kind of truthtelling which is continuously surprising and often beautiful.