Mrs. Dalloway Term Paper

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Mrs. Dalloway

The opening line of Mrs. Dalloway tells the reader a lot about the title character: "Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself." Woolf immediately wants to portray Clarissa Dalloway as an independent woman, but one who relishes participation in life. The mention of flowers in the first sentence foreshadows some kind of event or party, as buying flowers is a symbolic act. From the opening sentence, the rest of the book pans out to reveal Clarissa Dalloway's participation in parties and social events and hints at her role as a hostess.

Following the one-sentence paragraph that opens the novel is a brief paragraph illustrating Clarissa Dalloway's spirited nature and love of life. The sentences itself are abuzz with activity, as Woolf attempts to parallel her characterization with diction and tone. Phrases are brief and fast-paced, reflecting the hurried activity of preparing for a party. "Rumplemayer's men were coming," indicating clearly that some kind of gathering will be taking place. Mundane preparations must be made: doors being taken off their hinges. Additionally, Woolf may want her readers to sense Clarissa Dalloway's social class. "Lucy had her work cut out for her" indeed alludes to Lucy, her servant. The fact that Mrs. Dalloway has to assert that she "would buy the flowers herself" shows that it is Lucy who might otherwise do the shopping. Clarissa Dalloway is immediately revealed as a high society woman who enjoys entertaining.

The third paragraph of Mrs. Dalloway commences with two exclamations: "What a lark! What a plunge!" By repeating the word "plunge" later in the paragraph ("plunged at Bourton into the open air"), Woolf directs the reader's attention to Dalloway's spontaneous, youthful, and vibrant character. Woolf also makes sure to begin with a flashback to Clarissa being 18, which has a direct bearing on how the reader will perceive Mrs. Dalloway. Her perception of the opposite sex and her desire to please others by entertaining and hosting are both influenced by her relative youthfulness.

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Clarissa Dalloway is the quintessential hostess. From the onset of the novel, she is revealed as a joyous, excited woman who genuinely loves to entertain. She perceives herself as a talented socialite whose parties are a blessing to others. She relishes social interactions and learning about other people. She is a wealthy woman who throws classy parties; she occasionally seems shallow and superficial, but she does not exhibit snobbery. Rather, she enjoys interacting with all people and has a genuine love of humanity. Throwing parties and playing hostess are her outlets for creativity and self-expression and her gift to the world.

Lady Bruton is older than Clarissa Dalloway, and also lacks Clarissa's liveliness and love of life. Thus she is a less enthusiastic hostess, and one who cares less about forming relationships than Clarissa does. Lady Bruton cares more for formalities and hosts parties for politicians rather than for friends. By not inviting Clarissa to her party, Lady Bruton is clearly interested only in hosting parties for political reasons. Lady Bruton is a traditional, old fashioned woman who differs greatly from Mrs. Dalloway in her outlook on life and her role in society.

Lady Bradshaw is not portrayed specifically as a hostess in Mrs. Dalloway. Instead, she serves to offset Clarissa's enthusiasm and is responsible for bringing up the topic of Septimus's suicide at the party. This stuns Clarissa, who can't believe that the Bradshaws would talk of death on a festive occasion. Thus Woolf paints Lady Bradshaw as antithetical to Clarissa Dalloway in many ways; the former is a harbinger of death, while Clarissa celebrates life.

Flowers are a central motif of Mrs. Dalloway because of their role in parties and entertainment. Flowers are also a convenient metaphor throughout the novel, as they can illustrate mood and character. For example, Sally is described as having "power" because of "her way with….....

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