Mrs Dalloway: Narrative & Thematic Analysis

Narrative Voice in Mrs Dalloway

• Third-Person Heterodiegetic (Omniscient) Narrator: The narrator knows everything and penetrates the characters' minds to express their feelings.
• Indirect Style (Reported Speech): The narrator frequently uses reported speech.
• Free Indirect Discourse: The point of view shifts frequently, weaving in and out of the minds of Clarissa, Septimus, Lucrezia, Peter, Richard, Elizabeth, and Miss Kilman. Readers gain direct access to their thoughts and memories. Examples include: Clarissa thought that..., What a lark!, Was it too short?
• Internal Focalization: The narrative often adopts a character's perspective, such as Peter's how delightful to see you! The focus can shift between characters without explicit clues.
• Temporal Movement: The story unfolds in a present that moves towards the future, often through recapitulation or repetition of past events.
• Character-Dependent Consciousness: The narrator's perception is tied to the characters' minds; nothing exists for the narrator that doesn't first exist in a character's thought or perception.

Society and Class in Post-WWI Britain

Post-World War I British society was very conservative and hierarchical. As Woolf clearly indicates, British people were expected to admire the upper class and be acutely aware of their place in the social ladder. Characters like Ellie Henderson and Miss Kilman are viewed with disdain by Clarissa, partly because they are socially beneath her.

The Preoccupation with Time and Mortality

Clarissa's and other characters' preoccupation with time relates directly to their fear of death. They are not entirely content with who they are and often feel that they are wasting their time.

Themes of Isolation and Disconnection

Nearly every character in the novel experiences profound isolation. Woolf employs metaphors, such as threads and fish swimming in water, to illustrate the tenuous connections between people. Characters often perceive others as objects rather than subjects; they think about others but struggle to communicate, even when desperate to do so. Clarissa's husband, despite his deep love for her, finds himself unable to articulate "I love you," resorting to flowers to convey his message. Clarissa’s parties, intended to foster connection, often become gatherings of isolated individuals. Ultimately, Clarissa feels a stronger bond with Septimus and the old lady across the way than with many of her acquaintances.

Exploring Suffering and Inner Turmoil

Characters in the novel experience suffering in various forms, from vague but debilitating physical ailments to deep emotional damage. Although almost everyone in the novel is suffering, each individual often feels they are enduring it alone.

• Miss Kilman: Her suffering is partly self-imposed and serves as a political expression, making martyrdom a part of her personality.
• Rezia: Her suffering stems from empathy for her husband and a profound sense of isolation.
• Peter Walsh: He suffers primarily from the past, from Clarissa's unrequited love, and from the consequences of his poor choices in relationships and career.
• Septimus Warren Smith: He ultimately takes his own life to escape his overwhelming mental suffering.