Mrs. Dalloway

Definition

Mrs. Dalloway is a novel by Virginia Woolf, published in 1925, that focuses on a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party in London. The narrative uses a stream-of-consciousness technique to explore themes of time, mental illness, and the complexity of human experience through the thoughts and perspectives of various characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel takes place over the course of one day, specifically June 17, 1923, showcasing the mundane yet profound moments in Clarissa Dalloway's life.
2. Virginia Woolf uses various perspectives in the story, including those of Clarissa and Septimus Warren Smith, a war veteran suffering from PTSD, highlighting contrasting experiences of mental health.
3. Themes of time are prevalent in the novel, as Woolf examines how past experiences shape present identities and decisions.
4. The party that Clarissa hosts serves as a central event that brings together various characters and represents social connections and societal expectations.
5. Woolf’s innovative writing style breaks away from traditional narratives, allowing readers to engage deeply with the characters' inner thoughts and emotional landscapes.

Review Questions

• How does Virginia Woolf's use of stream-of-consciousness contribute to our understanding of Clarissa Dalloway's character?
  • Woolf's use of stream-of-consciousness allows readers to access Clarissa's innermost thoughts and feelings, providing a deeper understanding of her character beyond surface-level interactions. It reveals her struggles with identity, societal expectations, and her reflections on past choices. This narrative style effectively illustrates how her consciousness fluctuates throughout the day, highlighting her emotional complexities and vulnerabilities.
• In what ways does Mrs. Dalloway explore the theme of mental illness through its characters?
  • Mrs. Dalloway addresses mental illness primarily through the character of Septimus Warren Smith, whose traumatic experiences from war lead to severe psychological distress. His portrayal contrasts with Clarissa's own internal struggles as she grapples with feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction. Woolf juxtaposes their experiences to critique societal attitudes towards mental health during that era, emphasizing how external pressures can exacerbate personal crises.
• Analyze how the passage of time influences character development in Mrs. Dalloway.
  • The passage of time in Mrs. Dalloway serves as a catalyst for character development, affecting how Clarissa reflects on her past choices and relationships. Woolf intricately weaves memories and current events to show how time impacts identity and perception. As characters confront their histories throughout the day leading up to the party, it becomes clear that their pasts are integral to understanding their present selves, illustrating a complex interplay between time and personal growth.

Related terms

Stream of Consciousness: A narrative technique that captures the flow of thoughts and feelings of characters, often without conventional structure or punctuation.

Modernism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new ideas in literature, art, and philosophy.

Clarissa Dalloway: The protagonist of the novel, who reflects on her life choices and relationships as she navigates her social obligations and personal struggles.