Virginia Woolf Moth

The Death of a Moth A moth may be considered a very insignificant creature however, in the passage “The Death of a Moth” by Virginia Woolf, a moth has a very significant meaning. Life and death can be symbolized and interpreted in many different ways. In this passage the moth represents the struggle to fight to survive. However, in the beginning of the passage Woolf’s perception towards the moth has a more negative concept. However, through the passage the perception of the moth changes into a more positive concept. Woolf uses imagery, comparison, and juxtaposition to help the reader understand the symbolism of the moth. Woolf uses imagery to describe the environment, situation and structure of the moth. Woolf describes the moth

At the beginning of the passage Woolf uses comparisons to show how pathetic and insignificant the moth is in his perception. “ The same energy, which inspired the rooks, the ploughmen, the horses…. Sent the moth fluttering from side to side of his square of the window-pane” (lines 23-25). However, the moth made a more positive impression on Woolf with time. “He was little or nothing but life” (lines 40-41). Woolf realized the moth’s actions represent a valiant fighter. He admires the moth for his courage to keep fighting and compares his efforts to survive with the efforts of human beings. “ Extraordinary efforts made by those tiny legs against oncoming doom… submerged entire city, not merely a city, but masses of human beings” (lines

He wants the reader to comprehend the significance of the moth and what it represents. “ The enormous energy of the world had been thrust into his frail and diminutive body” (lines 38-39). Woolf explains how the moth is transforming from a pathetic creature to an aspiring creature. “Marvelous as well as pathetic about him” (lines 45-46). Woolf describes the efforts made by the moth to survive. “Relaxed, and instantly grew stiff” (line 96). He admires each and every action made by the moth to keep living its life. “This gigantic effort on the part of an insignificant moth” (lines 90-91). After the moth has passed away, Woolf realizes the impact the moth had on him. “Mean an antagonist, filled me with wonder” (line