Mrs. Dalloway

Virginia Woolf wrote Mrs. Dalloway in 1925. Set in London in the early 20th century, the story takes place over a single day. It follows the thoughts and experiences of various characters.

The novel centers around Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class woman preparing for a party she is hosting in the evening. As Clarissa goes about her day, her thoughts and memories intertwine with events and encounters with other characters. Through her perspective, Woolf delves into themes of identity, social conventions, and the internal lives of individuals.

Mrs. Dalloway also follows the character of Septimus Warren Smith, a war veteran who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Septimus's experiences highlight the impact of war on individuals and society. His story serves as a contrast to the privileged world of Clarissa.

Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative style, Woolf explores the characters' inner thoughts and feelings, delving into their fears, desires, and frustrations. The narrative seamlessly transitions between past and present. It blurs the boundaries of time and offers insights into the characters' complex inner lives.

Mrs. Dalloway addresses themes such as the constraints of social expectations and the effects of war on the human psyche. It also explores the passage of time and the search for personal fulfillment and connection. Woolf's innovative narrative techniques and her exploration of the characters' subjective experiences make the novel a significant work of literature.