Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf: A Day in the Life of Clarissa Dalloway

TLDRJoin Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party in 1923 London. Explore her memories, encounters, and reflections, all leading up to a momentous event.

Key insights

🌸Clarissa Dalloway prepares for a party, recalling summers and feeling a sense of foreboding.

👥Clarissa encounters old friends, Hugh Whitbread and Peter Walsh, reflecting on their past relationships.

📚Clarissa contemplates life and death, the impact of war, and the choices she has made.

💔Clarissa's emotions and mental illness struggles are portrayed, affecting her perception of beauty.

🌹Clarissa selects flowers and hears a mysterious sound, adding to the tension of the story.

Q&A

What is the main event in the story?

The main event is the party that Clarissa Dalloway is preparing for throughout the day.

Who are the important characters in Mrs. Dalloway?

The important characters include Clarissa Dalloway, Hugh Whitbread, Peter Walsh, and Richard Dalloway.

What themes are explored in Mrs. Dalloway?

Themes of memory, time, identity, societal expectations, and mental illness are explored in Mrs. Dalloway.

Why does Clarissa think about Peter Walsh?

Clarissa thinks about Peter Walsh because they have a complicated past and she still has feelings for him.

What is the significance of the flowers in the story?

The flowers symbolize beauty, life, and the impermanence of existence in Mrs. Dalloway.

Timestamped Summary

00:01The story begins with Mrs. Dalloway buying flowers for her party.

00:22She encounters old friend Hugh Whitbread and invites him to the party.

00:49Clarissa thinks of another old friend, Peter Walsh, and reflects on their past.

01:20Clarissa contemplates the impact of war and the choices she has made.

02:11She reflects on her relationship with her daughter, Elizabeth, and her dislike for Miss Killman.

02:31Clarissa happily selects flowers and hears a mysterious sound, adding to the tension.

02:59The fragmented narrative showcases Clarissa's contradictory thoughts and actions.

03:21Join Clarissa Dalloway in Virginia Woolf's novel, exploring themes of memory, time, and identity.