First view of Sasha.
Orlando and Shelmerdine discuss what it take to be a 'real man' or a 'real woman'.
Orlando's relationship as a woman, with Shelmerdine.
Sally Potter:
"It is essential, to be true to Virginia Woolf, that Orlando at least attempts to find her own voice, independently of anything else or anyone else, and irrespective of whether she is a success or failure."
"...endings are also beginnings" --> literal with end of life as a man and beginning of life as a woman
"...life is difficult for both men and women." --> Orlando has the same struggles as both genders, 'losing herself with love' with both Sasha and Shelmerdine.
Virginia Woolf:
"the opportunity will come and the dead poet who was Shakespeare's sister will put on the body which she has so often laid down."
"...when she is born again she shall find it possible to live and write her poetry..."
--> historical limitation of women's vision, lack of opportunity, education and expectation...
Writing the novel in the early 1920's, the role of gender played a very different part in society. This quote from Woolf shows that she hopes one day, women will, "...find it possible to live and write her poetry..." --> Potter, making the film in the early 1990's is able to show this struggle and how the role of the female develops throughout the years.
The transformation of Orlando from man to woman --> washing away to reveal NEW person/new gender.
The transformation of Orlando from man to woman --> wig comes off/shedding male outer layer
Orlando's relationship as a man, with Sasha.
Euphrosyne:
"They say that Russian women smear themselves with tallow in winter to keep warm."
"And grow beards as they grow older."
In the film, Potter choses this line of dialogue to be delivered by the Earl of Moray instead of Lady Euphrosyne, whom Orlando is engaged to.
Orlando:
"Who is this person that skates like a boy and curtseys like a lady?"