Reminiscences
As a first foray into writing, this essay marks a realization for Woolf. She attributes her motivation to early childhood memories, a few of which she describes here. In her sense of self, Woolf admits, she still carries her mother. They are intimately tied to one another, her mother remaining Woolf's constant intended audience, or perhaps this is what Woolf must believe in light of her mom's death. The tone is very idealistic.
A Sketch of the Past
Mirroring the previous essay, this one is written decades later after Woolf is established in her writing. She reconsiders those childhood memories in light of her present clarity. Basically, she is able to discern a more realistic understanding of her early life. At the same time she refers to her context in writing the poem. WWII is deeply distressing to Woolf on a personal level because she detested violence and views the war as a grotesque display of corruption.
22 Hyde Park Gate
Set in Woolf's childhood home, this essay describes the innocence and beauty of childhood. She describes meeting her first best friend and how simple their relationship was. She places significant emphasis upon the physical sensation of being in that place and how she remembers it.
Old Bloomsbury
Upon leaving home for the first time, Woolf muses upon the vast strangeness of her world. She enjoys her newfound freedom, but with it comes some remorse for the way she was contained as a child. She reflects upon new discoveries about herself and longs to have found them out sooner. Still, the world around her is somewhat overwhelming in its potential, so Woolf finds herself simultaneously proud of her accomplishments and afraid to proceed.
Am I a Snob?
The most academic of the collection, this essay redefines "snob." Woolf uses this term in an archetypal manner to describe a compulsive free spirit. In her own writing, Woolf thrives upon artistic freedom, never one to conform to rules or expectations. She doesn't enjoy the negative connotation of the term, however, and attempts her to redeem the word. Although she is not purely archetype, Woolf embraces the part of her personality which pulls her toward this free spirit attitude.
