Virginia Woolf, responding to criticism of her literary stature, expressed her unabashed pride in being labeled highbrow. In contrast to critics like J. B. Priestley, who dismissed highbrow literature as pretentious, Woolf defended the value of intellectual pursuits. She identified highbrows as individuals of 'thoroughbred intelligence' and cited literary icons such as Shakespeare and Dickens as inspirations. Her correspondence indicated a commitment to highlight the significance of highbrow literature amidst a cultural debate over literary merit.
Woolf declared, being highbrow is the best. She was unabashed in her preferences: The highbrow 'is the man or woman of thoroughbred intelligence who rides his mind at a gallop across country in pursuit of an idea.' That is why I have always been so proud to be called highbrow.
Woolf cited some of her highbrow idols, including Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Lord Byron, Charlotte Brontë, and Jane Austen, emphasizing the esteem she held for them and her own ambition.
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