Three Guineas

Historical Context and Significance

Virginia Woolf's book «Three Guineas», published in 1938, is an important feminist essay that explores the relationship between patriarchy, war, and education. Woolf uses the form of a letter addressed to an imaginary correspondent to answer the question of how to prevent war. She argues that the oppression of women and militarism are closely linked and suggests that women use their resources to create alternative power structures. The book had a significant impact on the development of feminist thought, emphasizing the importance of women's education and economic independence as means of combating the patriarchal system. «Three Guineas» is also seen as a continuation of the ideas presented in Woolf's earlier essay «A Room of One's Own», and continues to explore themes of gender inequality and social justice. The influence of the book extends to cultural and academic discussions about the role of women in society and their participation in political processes.