Literary knowledge:
* Classical Literature: Woolf references Greek mythology, Shakespeare, and other canonical works extensively. She expects readers to be familiar with these texts and their symbolism.
* Victorian Literature: Woolf engages in a dialogue with Victorian writers like Dickens and Eliot, often commenting on their social and psychological insights.
* Modernist Literature: Woolf's writing is informed by the Modernist movement, and she assumes her readers are familiar with writers like James Joyce, T.S. Eliot, and Ezra Pound.
Historical knowledge:
* English History: Woolf writes extensively about English society and its history, assuming a familiarity with major events, figures, and institutions.
* Social and Political Context: Woolf's novels often explore the social and political issues of her time, such as gender roles, class distinctions, and the rise of modernism.
* Art and Culture: Woolf frequently alludes to contemporary art movements, musical trends, and other cultural developments, assuming readers have some understanding of these.
Philosophical and Theoretical knowledge:
* Psychoanalytic Theory: Woolf draws heavily on Freudian psychoanalysis, expecting readers to understand concepts like the unconscious, the id, and the ego.
* Modern Philosophy: Woolf's work reflects the philosophical currents of her time, including existentialism and the Bloomsbury Group's emphasis on individualism and aestheticism.
Specific assumptions:
* Gender and Class: Woolf's writing often explores the experiences of women and the working class, assuming readers have some awareness of their struggles and challenges.
* London: Many of Woolf's works are set in London, and she assumes readers have some understanding of its geography, social structures, and cultural significance.
* Nature and the Environment: Woolf frequently uses natural imagery and metaphors, suggesting an appreciation for the natural world on the part of her readers.
Consequences of her assumptions:
* Accessibility: Woolf's demanding prose and dense allusions can make her writing inaccessible to readers without a significant cultural background.
* Exclusivity: Her assumptions contribute to the perception of Woolf's writing as elitist and aimed at a specific intellectual audience.
* Interpretation: The richness of her work invites diverse interpretations, but these interpretations are often based on shared cultural knowledge.
It's important to note:
* Woolf's writing is not intended to exclude anyone but reflects the intellectual landscape of her time.
* While her work can be challenging, it is rewarding for those willing to engage with its layers of meaning.
* Modern readers can access resources and information to help them navigate the cultural knowledge assumed by Woolf.