Early Years:
* Mixed reviews: Her early works like *Mrs. Dalloway* and *To the Lighthouse* were met with a mix of praise and criticism. Some saw her as an experimental and innovative writer, while others found her style challenging and difficult to understand.
* Criticism for style and subject matter: Some critics dismissed her writing as "stream of consciousness" or "psychological" novels, lacking clear narrative or plot structure. They also criticized her focus on women's experiences and interior lives as being too subjective and self-indulgent.
Later Years:
* Growing recognition: As Woolf's career progressed, she gained more recognition for her literary brilliance. Her later works like *The Waves* and *Between the Acts* were seen as masterpieces by many.
* Praise for her themes and language: Critics began to appreciate her unique style, her exploration of human consciousness, her sensitive portrayal of female characters, and her use of language to evoke mood and emotion.
Post-War Period:
* Legacy as a modernist icon: Following her death in 1941, Woolf's reputation continued to grow, cementing her place as a leading figure in modern literature.
* Influence on contemporary writing: Her innovative techniques and themes continue to influence writers and readers today.
Overall:
While Virginia Woolf faced criticism for her experimental style and subject matter, her work ultimately earned her a place among the literary giants of the 20th century. Today, she is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential writers of her time.
It's important to note:
* The "critics" are not a monolithic group. Different critics had different opinions about Woolf's work, and their views often changed over time.
* The reception of Woolf's work also reflects broader social and literary trends of the time. Her focus on women's experiences, for example, was considered radical in the early 20th century but is now widely accepted.