Literary Analysis of Clarissa's Relationships

The feeling of being content and calm, often accompanied by a sense of peace and satisfaction.

The act of carefully and thoughtfully connecting pieces of fabric, particularly when mending a garment.

The repetitive cycle of waves crashing on a beach, symbolizing the rhythm and predictability of nature.

A state of acceptance and understanding, often characterized by a sense of completion or fulfillment.

The person who makes or repairs clothes, representing a skilled craftsperson.

The state of being busy and occupied, often with a lot of responsibilities.

The act of being grateful for something received, often expressed through words or actions.

The ability to be kind and generous, often characterized by acts of kindness and compassion.

A woman's sense of self and her perceived lack of a certain quality that she believes hinders intimacy and connection with others, particularly men.

The woman feels a deep sense of seclusion and isolation, likely due to her inability to fully connect with those around her.

The woman desires a deeper emotional connection, perhaps to escape the coldness she feels within herself.

The woman experiences moments of intense emotional connection, especially with other women, where she feels a surge of empathy and understanding.

The woman feels a pull towards deep connection and intimacy, but also feels a sense of guilt or conflict related to these desires.

The woman experiences a sense of vulnerability and self-doubt. She questions her own worthiness and desirability in relationships.

The woman seeks to understand and express her deepest desires and emotions, trying to find meaning in these experiences.

The woman experiences a sense of longing and yearning for a level of intimacy and connection that she feels is missing in her life.

Peter is feeling increasingly annoyed and agitated because he believes that marriage, politics, and having a conservative husband are detrimental to women.

Clarissa is hosting a party that night, and she wants to finish mending her dress before the guests arrive.

Peter is surprised and delighted by Clarissa's casual use of the phrase "my dear Peter." He finds it charming and endearing.

Peter wonders why he didn't marry Clarissa, reflecting on the past and the difficulties of making decisions about love and relationships.

Clarissa is surprised and thrilled by Peter's unexpected visit, remembering their shared memories from a past summer.

Peter recalls awkwardly having breakfast with Clarissa's deceased father (Justin Parry) and his own inability to connect with the man.

Clarissa's father (Justin Parry) didn't like Peter's friends, which is why he didn't like Peter either.

Peter reflects on his past feelings for Clarissa, acknowledging that he had been deeply in love, making him feel heartbroken after they didn't get together.

An event or activity that is characterized by a high level of social interaction and excitement, often involving extravagant displays of wealth and status. Examples include horse racing at Ascot, cricket matches at Lords, and social gatherings at Ranelagh.

An early morning atmosphere, marked by a soft greyish-blue hue that gradually fades as the day progresses.

The bustling and vibrant energy of London, expressed through a variety of activities and social interactions.

A group of affluent individuals, particularly women of a certain social standing, who participate in high-society events and activities.

The art of skillfully drawing attention and captivating a social circle, often through elegant social gatherings and carefully curated public appearances.

A feeling of quietude and stillness, unexpected in the typically bustling city of London, often associated with an atmosphere of mystery or introspection.

An internal ailment, often unspecified, that is common among members of a particular social circle.

The practice of maintaining a dignified and socially acceptable outward appearance despite potential inner turmoil or anxieties.

A description of a person's character or personality, often based on their appearance or actions. In this case, Peter Walsh is imagining a young woman who is both attractive and sophisticated, with an air of mystery.

A literary device where a character's thoughts and feelings are revealed directly to the reader. This helps us understand Peter's inner world and his attraction to the woman.

A metaphor used to describe the woman's alluring nature, implying that she is a source of intrigue and fascination for Peter.

A literary technique used to compare two unlike things without using like or as. Here, the wind stirring the woman's cloak is compared to a hug.

The protagonist's internal conflict between his desire for adventure and his need for societal acceptance. He imagines himself as a daring buccaneer, free from the constraints of social expectations.

The use of vivid imagery to evoke specific sensations and emotions. The description helps us experience Peter's feelings of excitement and anticipation.

This refers to Peter's tendency to fantasize and create stories about the woman, highlighting his subjective perception.

The use of contrasts to emphasize an idea. Peter contrasts the woman he's observing with Clarissa, highlighting the woman's unique qualities.

A personality trait characterized by an unwavering sense of self-importance and a tendency to prioritize personal goals above others. This can manifest as a disregard for others' feelings, a need to be right, and a resistance to accepting criticism.

Clarissa's reaction to Peter's revelation about his love for another woman. She finds the situation absurd and somewhat humorous, perceiving his infatuation as a result of his tendency to romanticize, which has led him astray in the past.

The act of embellishing a person or situation through selective focus and exaggerated descriptions. Clarissa criticizes Peter for romanticizing his new love interest, seeing her as a romanticized ideal rather than a real person.

A term used to describe the repetitive nature of Peter's life choices, characterized by impulsiveness and a tendency to make decisions based on fleeting emotions rather than careful consideration. 

A person who is self-absorbed and lacking in empathy, often failing to consider how their actions affect others. This trait stems from a lack of awareness of others' emotions and a tendency to prioritize personal desires.

The act of dismissing someone's feelings in favor of focusing solely on one's own experiences and perceptions. This can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy towards others, often resulting in conflict and resentment.

The ability to perceive and understand emotions and thoughts in others, demonstrating a genuine interest in their well-being and perspectives. This involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to engage in meaningful connection.

An individual who engages in self-destructive behaviors, often driven by an inability to learn from past mistakes and a tendency to repeat similar patterns of action. This can be linked to poor decision-making, impulsivity, and a lack of self-awareness.