:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} – Mrs. Dalloway
Mrs. Dalloway (1925) is a landmark modernist novel by Virginia Woolf. Set in London over the course of a single day, the novel explores the inner lives of its characters through the technique of stream of consciousness.
The novel examines themes of time, memory, identity, mental illness, war trauma, and social roles, revealing how private thoughts shape human experience.
Background of the Novel
Written after World War I, the novel reflects:
- psychological impact of war
- changing roles of women
- modernist experimentation
Woolf rejects traditional plot and focuses instead on inner consciousness.
Central Idea
The central idea of the novel is that:
- life is shaped by moments of consciousness
- past and present coexist in the mind
- individual identity is fragile and complex
Human experience is defined by thought rather than action.
Structure of the Novel
The novel takes place within one single day in June.
The chiming of Big Ben marks the passage of time, while memories move freely between past and present.
Clock time contrasts with psychological time.
Summary of the Novel
Morning – Clarissa’s Preparations
The novel opens with Clarissa Dalloway stepping out to buy flowers for a party she will host in the evening.
As she walks through London, her thoughts drift to:
- her youth at Bourton
- her relationship with Peter Walsh
- her marriage to Richard Dalloway
Memory shapes present identity.
Parallel Narrative – Septimus Smith
The novel introduces Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked war veteran suffering from severe mental illness.
He is haunted by visions of his dead friend Evans.
Septimus represents:
- war trauma
- failure of society to understand mental illness
- alienation from reality
His suffering contrasts with Clarissa’s social world.
Afternoon – Social Encounters
Clarissa meets acquaintances and reflects on:
- the compromises of marriage
- loss of youthful passion
- social expectations
Peter Walsh returns from India and questions Clarissa’s life choices.
Unfulfilled desires linger beneath polite society.
Evening – Septimus’s Tragedy
Doctors attempt to institutionalise Septimus.
Unable to endure this loss of freedom, he commits suicide by jumping from a window.
Society’s cruelty pushes him toward death.
Night – The Party
Clarissa hosts her party, which brings together London’s elite.
She learns about Septimus’s death and reflects deeply on:
- life
- death
- individual freedom
Clarissa sees Septimus’s death as an act of resistance against oppression.
The novel ends with affirmation of life despite suffering.
Major Characters
- Clarissa Dalloway – sensitive, reflective protagonist
- Septimus Smith – war-traumatised veteran
- Richard Dalloway – Clarissa’s husband
- Peter Walsh – Clarissa’s former lover
- Sally Seton – symbol of youthful freedom
Major Themes
- Time and Memory
- Identity
- Mental Illness
- Impact of War
- Life and Death
- Social Conformity
Stream of Consciousness Technique
Woolf presents:
- free flow of thoughts
- interior monologue
- shifts in perspective
This technique captures the complexity of human mind.
Symbolism
- Big Ben – passing of time
- Flowers – beauty and transience
- The Party – social connection
- Septimus’s Death – protest against control
Style and Technique
- lyrical prose
- fragmented narrative
- psychological realism
- modernist experimentation
Critical Appreciation
- A masterpiece of modernist fiction.
- Deep psychological insight.
- Powerful critique of social norms.
- Innovative narrative form.
Significance of the Novel
- defines modernist narrative
- explores post-war psychology
- redefines the novel form
- highly influential in modern literature
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Virginia Woolf |
| Novel | Mrs. Dalloway |
| Year | 1925 |
| Time Span | One day |
| Technique | Stream of consciousness |
| Main Theme | Time, identity, mental illness |
| Movement | Modernism |
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