“Mrs Dalloway” is a novel written by Virginia Woolf and published in 1925. It is a modernist novel that takes place in London in the early 20th century. The novel follows a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a middle-aged woman who is preparing to host a party that evening. As she goes about her day, she reflects on her past and present, her relationships, and the people and events that have shaped her life.
Plot Summary
The novel opens with Clarissa Dalloway walking through the streets of London on a sunny day in June. As she goes about her errands, she reflects on her past and her current life as a married woman. She thinks about her relationship with Peter Walsh, a former lover who has returned to London after many years abroad. She also thinks about her husband, Richard Dalloway, and their daughter, Elizabeth.
Meanwhile, a young man named Septimus Warren Smith is struggling with severe mental illness, which is causing him to experience hallucinations and delusions. His wife, Rezia, is desperate to find a way to help him but is struggling to get the medical attention he needs.
Throughout the day, various characters cross paths with Clarissa, including her old friend Sally Seton and a young man named Hugh Whitbread. Clarissa’s party that evening brings together a diverse group of people, including politicians, artists, and socialites. However, as the night wears on, Clarissa becomes increasingly introspective and begins to question the meaning of her life and her place in the world.
Mrs Dalloway Characters
- Clarissa Dalloway: The protagonist of the novel is a middle-aged woman who is preparing to host a party. She is reflective and introspective, and the events of the day prompt her to question the meaning of her life.
- Septimus Warren Smith: A young man suffering from severe mental illness as a result of his experiences in World War I.
- Richard Dalloway: Clarissa’s husband, a conservative politician.
- Peter Walsh: A former lover of Clarissa’s who has returned to London after many years abroad.
- Sally Seton: Clarissa’s old friend from her youth, who has since become a successful businesswoman.
- Elizabeth Dalloway: Clarissa and Richard’s daughter, who is studying at university.
- Hugh Whitbread: A socialite who attends Clarissa’s party.
Mrs Dalloway Themes
- The passage of time and the impermanence of life.
- The impact of the past on the present and the future.
- The difficulty of communication and the isolation of the individual.
- The relationship between mental illness and societal norms.
- The limitations of traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Writing Style
“Mrs Dalloway” is written in Woolf’s signature stream-of-consciousness style, which allows the reader to see inside the characters’ minds and experience their thoughts and emotions in real time. The novel is also notable for its use of symbols and imagery, which contribute to the overall sense of disorientation and fragmentation.
Conclusion
“Mrs Dalloway” is a complex and thought-provoking novel that explores a wide range of themes and issues. Through its use of stream-of-consciousness narration and symbolism, it offers a unique and intimate portrait of its characters and their inner lives. The novel’s themes of time, memory, and mental illness continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless masterpiece of modernist literature.